Nine Days after Governor Umo Eno lost his wife, Patience Umo-Eno, to the icy grip of death, he has broken his silence.
In the statement titled “We’re Are Perplexed But Not In Despair” in Bible text from 2 Corinthians 4:8, the governor expressed gratitude to all who have empathised with him in the flood of condolences from far and near.
Umo stated, “Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience (Oluwakemi) Umo Eno, was everything a man could ever wish for in a virtuous woman. My prayer partner, counsellor, cheer-leader, best critic, homemaker and permanently smiling. I will miss her for a lifetime.”
Thanking President Bola Tinubu and all who sent condolences, Governor Eno noted the “Incredible outpouring of love, support, prayers and words of encouragement through phone calls and messages of condolence and visits since the unexpected sunset that befell us (Family) has really encouraged and strengthened us at this time.”
He particularly thanked Akwa Ibomites for a rare show of love and support across political divides, especially the youths “who again suspended their planned national protests in honour of my dear wife.”
He further stated, “Let me particularly thank our dear people from all strata of life, who have risen in unison across party lines to commiserate with us, through prayers, condolences and phone calls, and even suspended campaign activities to honour our First Lady. We are deeply grateful.
“Let me assure all that we will pursue everything she held dear while she was with us. The Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) as well as all other initiatives she had started will be sustained and expanded.