Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has expressed profound grief over the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, stating that the pain of her loss is difficult to reconcile with. Eno shared his feelings during a condolence visit from fellow members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the Government House in Uyo on Monday.
Reflecting on their 38 years of marriage, Eno described his late wife as a remarkable individual who lived a successful and fulfilled life. He emphasized that mourning is a continuous process, stating, “This is a lifetime of mourning; you mourn in stages. It’s not something you just finish mourning and it is over because, as long as you live, you will keep seeing that there is a vacuum.”
The Governor acknowledged the support and empathy he has received from fellow governors and well-meaning Nigerians, expressing that these gestures provide comfort and strength during this difficult time. He highlighted the personal call from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting the widespread compassion shown across party lines.
“Traveling from one point to another to show support indicates love, and we do not take it for granted,” Eno said, thanking his colleagues for their solidarity.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State, who leads the NGF, described Pastor Patience Eno as a “household name in humanity,” emphasizing the devastating impact of her loss on both the Forum and its staff. He prayed for Governor Eno to find the fortitude to bear the loss and for his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, to have the grace to carry on the late First Lady’s projects and initiatives.
Edo State Governor and Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Godwin Obaseki, also expressed his condolences, praising the positive energy and kindness exhibited by the deceased First Lady. He encouraged Governor Eno to find solace in the values and legacy she represented during her lifetime while conveying the sympathies of fellow governors from the South-South region.