• The Deceased Was A Beacon Of Compassion, Say Senators, Peterside

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the demise of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, describing it as a huge loss to her family, the state and the nation as a whole.

Also, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commiserated with Governor Umo Eno over the demise of his wife.

Similarly, former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has grieved over the sudden death of the governor’s wife, saying she was a steadfast pillar of compassion, wisdom and unwavering grace.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor Eno over the passing of his wife.

In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Mbah commiserated with Governor Umo Eno and the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, noting that the deceased was a resourceful woman and philanthropist who gave her best to humanity.

He said: “I woke up this morning to the sad news of the passing of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of my brother, the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“This is no doubt a huge loss, not only to Pastor Umo Eno, his family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, but also the country as a whole. Mrs. Umo Eno was a highly resourceful woman and an entrepreneur, who loved and served God.

“Mrs. Umo Eno was a philanthropist, who not only lent her immense support to her husband and family through the years, but also rendered selfless service to humanity and contributed immensely to the good governance and development of Akwa Ibom State and our nation. Through her pet project, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), she lifted families and touched the lives of the vulnerable in our society.

“Therefore, on behalf of my family, the government and good people of Enugu State, I send heartfelt condolences to her immediate family and the government and people of Akwa Ibom State. We will continue to have them in our prayers, as we beseech God to comfort them at this hour of grief and also grant her kind soul eternal repose.”

In a condolence message in Port Harcourt signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara expressed shock over the sad news.

He said: “We received with sadness the news of the death of your lovely wife, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, who transitioned to glory on 26th September, 2024.

“Although death is a certain end for every mortal, it is always painful to experience the loss of someone so dear to you, particularly one whom you have had a special bond with for many years. This is why we truly understand how devastating this must be for you, knowing how close you were to your wife, and the positive influence she has had on you as a strong dependable pillar of support and inspiration.

“While we lack words to express the loss you bear, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the good Lord encourage and strengthen you and members of your family at this time of grief.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Rivers State, I pray God Almighty to grant you and the entire Eno family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Please, accept our sincere condolences,” he said.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has also commiserated with the government and people of Akwa Ibom State over the demise of the wife of the governor.

In a condolence message to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, Ododo expressed shock over the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, whom he noted has played a pivotal role in helping Governor Eno to steady the ship of state since he assumed office.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, the Kogi State Governor described the deceased as a supporting wife, mother and grandmother whose pet projects have touched the lives of several women and vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss, describing it as a great loss to the governor’s family, Akwa Ibom State and the nation.

“Your Excellency, my dear brother and Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, I am deeply pained to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, Her Excellency Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno. Please accept my deepest condolences during this time of grief,” Akpabio said.

Akpabio further paid tribute to the deceased, noting her compassion, dedication and selfless commitment to the welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom.

Reflecting on the crucial role she played as a supportive partner to the governor and as a pillar of strength to her family and the state, Akpabio added: “She was an exceptional woman, and her remarkable legacy will forever be remembered. Her kindness and compassion touched many lives, and her memory will continue to inspire us all.”

On behalf of his family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio offered prayers for strength and courage to the governor and his family as they navigate this difficult time.

“We stand with you in solidarity, sharing in your grief and offering our sincere condolences. May the Almighty grant you comfort and peace, and may the soul of Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno rest in perfect peace,” he said.

In a statement yesterday, Peterside, a former Director General of the Niger Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who also expressed his deepest condolences to Governor Eno, his entire family and the great people of Akwa Ibom, said:  “At a moment like this, when the world comes to a standstill, I find that words struggle to convey the depth of our collective grief. A profound emptiness engulfs us, intertwined with shock, unanswered questions and immeasurable sorrow.

“I mourn the irreplaceable loss of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, a luminous soul whose light brightened countless hearts. She was not merely the beloved wife of our esteemed Governor Umo Eno; she was a steadfast pillar of compassion, wisdom and unwavering grace. A woman who had a special passion for the worship of God Almighty, was a patriot in her own right, and was a true mother in every ramification.”

He prayed that her memory would forever inspire those she left behind and that her soul finds eternal rest.

The Northern Senators Forum has also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs. Eno.

In a condolence message on Friday, the forum led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, extended its heartfelt sympathies to Governor Eno and the entire people of Akwa Ibom State.

Yar’Adua acknowledged the late Mrs. Eno’s remarkable contributions to the welfare of the underprivileged, especially through her GIFA, which had a lasting impact on the poor and vulnerable in the state.

“Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno was a beacon of compassion and a steadfast supporter of Governor Umo Eno. Her passing leaves a significant void, not just in her family, but among the many whose lives she touched,” the statement read.

The forum prayed for strength for the governor and his family during this difficult time and asked for God’s eternal rest for her soul.