Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his respect for his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, saying he has no disagreement with the former governor and will continue to honour past leaders of the state.
Eno made the clarification during the second memorial service held in honour of his late wife, Patience Eno, at All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket.
The governor was addressing comments he made during the commissioning of a 14.8-kilometre road in Onna Local Government Area, which had sparked interpretations that he was referring to Emmanuel.
Eno explained that his remarks were directed at the owners of some inactive businesses in the area and were not aimed at his predecessor.
According to him, the Paramount Ruler of Onna had appealed to the state government to intervene in the situation involving the syringe factory and flour mill located in the area.
“I want to make a clarification. We went to Onna the other day to commission a project, and we went there to honour my boss. For me, I believed it was something to be thankful for, to inherit a project started by my boss and finish it,” Eno said.
He said he had advised the owners of the affected businesses to channel their concerns to the state government through the Commissioner for Special Duties, who hails from the area.
The governor also clarified his use of the Ibibio word “Unadot”, explaining that the expression means “the people” and was not intended as an insult or derogatory reference.
Eno stressed that Emmanuel was not the subject of his comments, noting that the former governor had no ownership stake in the businesses being discussed.
“I never, standing on this altar of God where I have preached for over 20 years, mentioned or had Udom Emmanuel in mind. It didn’t even connect to him because he is not a shareholder in that business,” he said.
The governor said his upbringing had taught him to respect those who occupied leadership positions before him, adding that the principle would continue to guide his relationship with former leaders.
“Let me say this for the last time: I will never have a problem with my predecessor. I have shown, both privately and publicly, the respect I have for Deacon Udom Emmanuel,” Eno stated.
He further assured that he would not disrespect Emmanuel or any other former governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking about his late wife, Patience, Eno said her legacy would remain alive through their children, grandchildren and the memories she left with the family.
The governor reflected on their 40 years of marriage, describing their relationship as one founded on friendship, companionship, love and faith.
He also praised their daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, for documenting her mother’s life and lessons in a book titled The Patience to Build: Lessons from My Mother.
The memorial service included tributes from Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Rehoboth Eno, members of the family and the governor’s grandchildren.
Patience Eno died on September 26, 2024, at a hospital, surrounded by members of her family.
