Akwa Ibom Governor Denies Rift With Predecessor Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said he does not have a problem with his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, and will continue to respect him and other former leaders in the state. Eno made the statement at the second memorial service for his late wife and former First Lady of Akwa Ibom, Patience Eno, held at All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket. The governor was clarifying remarks made during the commissioning of a 14.8-kilometre road in the ONNA Local Government Area.

He said a response to the area’s paramount ruler about folded industries had been directed at the owners of those businesses, not at Emmanuel. Eno said the state government had no role in the companies and should not intervene unless the businesses sought assistance. He added that Emmanuel was not a shareholder and had not been in his mind when he made the comments.

The governor also explained that the word “Unadot”, which he used during the exchange, is an Ibibio word meaning “people” and was not intended as a derogatory expression. Eno said he regarded the completion of a project started by his predecessor as something for which to be thankful. He said his upbringing and values required him to show respect to past leaders.

During the service, he paid tribute to Patience Eno, describing their 40-year marriage as one built on companionship, friendship, love and faith. He said her influence and sacrifices continued through their family. The event included the unveiling of a book, *The Patience to Build: Lessons from My Mother*, written by their daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki.

Other speakers offered tributes and prayed for the repose of the former First Lady’s soul.