Eight days after his wife Patience Eno’s death, Governor Umo Eno has addressed the public, describing her as his best critic and cheerleader.
Mrs Eno died at an undisclosed hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.
In a Friday morning broadcast, Eno said he would miss his wife of 38 years for a lifetime.
“Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience (Oluwakemi) Umo Eno, was everything a man could ever wished for in a virtuous woman. My prayer partner, counsellor, cheer-leader, best critic, homemaker and permanently smiling. I will miss her for a lifetime,” he said.
Thanking President Bola Tinubu and all who sent condolences, 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 (his family) has really encouraged and strengthened us at this time.”
He thanked Akwa Ibom people for the show of love and support across political divides, especially the youths “who again suspended their planned national protests in honour of my dear wife.”
Eno said the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) and other initiatives his late wife started would be sustained and expanded.
He concluded that “burial arrangements will be made public at the appropriate time as we will not mourn as those who have no hope in Christ Jesus.”
