Umo Eno dismisses rift with Udom Emmanuel, vows to respect predecessor

Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, has dismissed suggestions of a rift with his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, insisting that political differences will not undermine the respect he has for the former governor.

Eno said he would continue to respect Emmanuel and other former leaders of the state, describing the principle as part of his upbringing.

“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,” he said.

The governor spoke during the second memorial service for his late wife and former first lady, Patience Eno, at All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket.

His remarks followed controversy over comments he made during the commissioning of 14.8km of internal roads in Onna local government area, the home area of Emmanuel.

Eno said his comments were directed at the owners of some inactive industries in the area and were not an attack on the former governor.

The controversy arose after the paramount ruler of Onna asked the state government to intervene over a syringe factory and flour mill.

Eno said he had explained that the businesses were privately owned and that the government could not intervene without being approached by their owners.

He also clarified his use of the Ibibio word “Unadot”, saying it meant “people” and was not intended as a derogatory expression.

The governor said the road project itself demonstrated his respect for Emmanuel because it was started under the former governor’s administration and completed by the present government.

Eno had earlier described Emmanuel as his “political father” and said political differences would not affect their relationship.

Turning to the memorial service, Eno paid tribute to his late wife, saying her influence and legacy would continue through their family and the lives she touched.

He recalled their decades together as a marriage built on companionship, friendship, love, faith and mutual support.

The governor also praised his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, for documenting her mother’s life and lessons in a book, The Patience to Build: Lessons from My Mother.

Eno-Obareki described her mother as a woman whose life had been a blessing to others.

The deputy governor, Akon Eyakenyi, family members, religious leaders and grandchildren also paid tribute to the former first lady during the service.