Akwa Ibom governor rejects claims of disrespect towards predecessor

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has said he will not disrespect his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, or any former governor and leader in the state. Eno made the statement on Saturday during the second memorial service for his late wife and former First Lady, Patience, at All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket Local Government Area. He was responding to interpretations of remarks he made during the commissioning of a 14-kilometre road in Onna Local Government Area.

The Paramount Ruler of Onna had appealed for government intervention in moribund industries, including a syringe factory and a flour mill. Eno said the Ibibio word “Unadot” used in his response meant “people” and was not derogatory. He said he had been referring to those who owned the businesses, adding that the state government had no shares in the factories and could not intervene in private businesses without an invitation.

The governor said his comments had no connection with Emmanuel, who he said was not a shareholder in the businesses. He also cited an Efik hymn in which a similar word appeared, arguing that it could not therefore be understood as an insult. Eno said his upbringing was rooted in respect and that he had demonstrated privately and publicly the regard he held for Emmanuel and other past leaders.

The service also honoured Patience, who died in a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family. Eno recalled their 40-year marriage and praised his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, for writing a book about her mother.