Eno says he has no problem with predecessor Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno said he will not disrespect his immediate predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, and vowed to always show respect to past leaders, speaking at the second memorial service for his late wife held in Eket.

The service took place at All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket. Both Channels Television and the Punch reported the event and Governor Eno’s remarks at the service (see Channels TV and Punch).

Addressing recent interpretations of his comments made during a commissioning visit to Onna Local Government Area, Eno said his response was aimed at the owners of certain moribund industries, not at his predecessor. He told the congregation that the Ibibio word he used, variously transcribed as “Unadot” or “unadod,” means “people” and was not intended as a derogatory remark. He also said government had no share in the syringe factory and flour mill cited by the Paramount Ruler and therefore could not intervene in what he described as private businesses without invitation (Channels TV; Punch).

Both outlets reported that the commissioning in Onna related to a newly completed road, but they differ on the route’s reported length. Channels Television said the road measured 14.8 kilometres, while the Punch described it as 14 kilometres (Channels TV; Punch).

At the memorial, Governor Eno paid tribute to his wife, whom he described as a woman whose life had been woven into their family’s fabric. He recalled their 40-year marriage and praised her influence and sacrifice. He also commended his daughter, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, for writing and presenting a book in her mother’s honour. Channels Television reported the unveiling of the book, The Patience to Build: Lessons from My Mother, written by Lady Helen Eno-Obareki; Punch likewise cited the daughter’s authorship and the book title (Channels TV; Punch).

The Channels Television report listed tributes from the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Rehoboth Eno, grandchildren and others, and said special ministrations featured during the service (Channels TV).

Punch reported that the death of the former First Lady, Patience, was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, and gave her date of death as 26 September 2024; that specific detail was reported by Punch only (Punch).