Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has berated his detractors for sponsoring the recently resurfaced video in which his daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, blamed the governor for his role in her mother’s death.

Reacting to the video, which was recorded last year, shortly after his wife’s passing, the governor described the move by his political opponent to taint his good image before the people of the state and rubbish his second anniversary celebration.

In the first of the twin videos, Jane said: “My name is Jane Eddidiong Ufot, SSA to the Governor on Health, Safety and Environment. Daddy, I’m sending this post to you alone. Please, let’s talk before this destroys everything. I am not a sacrifice. Mummy was—I’m not. I’ll give you a few minutes. If you don’t act, I’ll post this everywhere.”

In another video, she is seen speaking to her daughter, prompting her to repeat: “Tell Grandpa, ‘Do you want them to kill us? Do you want us to die like my baby brother died?

“If I die today, or if my daughter dies—Agimini—if we die because God is exposing the truth, so be it. But my blood will not go in vain. Please listen to this—I’m more interested in staying alive,” she said.

But the governor has appealed to the general public to desist from reopening old wounds by bringing back sad memories, saying: “Jane is right here, with her husband. We have a good family. The children were under pressure. Losing a loved one is traumatic, especially for them. I appeal to the public—please stop bringing back sad memories. I’ve lost my wife already. May her perfect soul rest in peace.

“We’re in political times, so you expect more of this. My family is intact—you can see everyone here. The video in question was recorded shortly after my wife passed away last year. So why is it resurfacing now, just as we’re marking our second anniversary and celebrating our achievements? It only confirms there are detractors.”

Governor reassured his teeming supporters that he remains unfazed by any form of name-calling and campaign of calumny from those he described as enemies of the state, adding that he is much more determined to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

“I remain focused and committed to serving the people of Akwa Ibom. I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anyone. If those sharing this video wish the same for themselves, I wish them luck. But I believe even in politics, families should be off-limits. I assure you, my family is intact—we are fine,” he said.
Mrs. Patience Eno, the governor’s wife, passed away at the hospital on 26th September 2024, after an undisclosed illness.