Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has firmly addressed swirling political controversies in the state, making a solemn vow never to disrespect his immediate predecessor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, or any past leader who has contributed to the development of the region. Governor Eno made these remarks during a poignant address on Saturday at the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket Local Government Area. The occasion marked the second memorial service held in honor of his late wife and former First Lady, Patience Eno, who passed away in late 2024.
Speaking from the altar where he has ministered as a pastor for more than two decades, the governor sought to clear the air regarding severe misinterpretations that followed a recent public event in Onna Local Government Area. The controversy had threatened to create a political wedge between the incumbent administration and loyalists of the former governor, prompting Governor Eno to offer a comprehensive clarification on both his choice of words and his deep-seated respect for state leadership hierarchy.
Roots of the Controversy and the Onna Road Commissioning
The political tension began during a routine state function: the commissioning of a 14-kilometer road project in Onna Local Government Area. During the event, the Paramount Ruler of Onna made a public appeal to the state government, urging the executive arm to intervene in several moribund industrial facilities within the locality. Specifically, the traditional ruler pointed out that high-profile enterprises, including the state’s syringe manufacturing factory and the commercial flour mill, were facing operational challenges and required state rescue to revive local economic activity.
In his impromptu response, delivered in the local Ibibio language, Governor Eno addressed the community’s concerns. However, certain political actors and commentators subsequently twisted his words, claiming that his response was a veiled, derogatory attack directed at the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, under whose tenure these industrial projects were conceptualized, financed, and established.
Addressing the congregation and the wider public on Saturday, Governor Eno expressed dismay at how routine administrative discourse could be weaponized for political friction. He explained that his upbringing, deeply rooted in Christian values and traditional respect, precludes him from engaging in public disrespect of senior leaders.
Linguistic Clarification of the Word “Unadot”
At the heart of the linguistic misunderstanding was the Governor’s use of the Ibibio word “Unadot.” Critics of the administration had circulated claims in local media and chat groups that the term was deployed as a derogatory description relating to the status of the abandoned or struggling industries.
Refuting these claims categorically, Governor Eno provided a detailed linguistic and cultural breakdown of the term. He noted that the word simply translates to "people" in the local dialect and carries no negative connotations. To further solidify his defense, the governor referenced the Efik Hymn Book—widely used across church denominations in the region—noting that hymn number 246, stanza two, utilizes the word “unadod” in a completely benign and spiritual context.
“Since he spoke in Ibibio, I responded in Ibibio, that if they have a problem, let them tell us through the Commissioner for Special Duties, who is an indigene there,” Governor Eno explained to the congregation. “In the Efik Hymn Book, Hymn No. 246, the last stanza has ‘unadod,’ and if this was derogatory, I don’t know how it would have found itself in the songbook. It is an Ibibio word that means ‘the people.’ I was simply referring to the people who own the businesses.”
Furthermore, the governor clarified the legal and operational status of the factories in question. He emphasized that the state government does not hold primary equity shares in those specific private-public partnership (PPP) or private enterprises, meaning the executive branch cannot unilaterally inject public funds or take over management structures without a formal invitation or legal framework permitting such intervention.
“I never, standing on this altar of God where I have preached for over 20 years, mentioned or had Udom Emmanuel in mind. It didn’t even connect to him because he is not a shareholder in that business,” Governor Eno stated firmly. “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. I will never disrespect him or any past leader in this state.”
Remembering Late First Lady Patience Eno: A Legacy of Grace
While the first half of the governor’s address tackled state politics, the emotional core of the gathering was dedicated to honoring the memory of the late First Lady, Patience Eno. The memorial service brought together family members, top government officials, religious leaders, and well-wishers to commemorate a woman whose life left an indelible mark on the government and people of Akwa Ibom State.
Patience Eno’s passing on September 26, 2024, came as a profound shock to the state. Her death was officially announced by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, who stated that she passed away peacefully at a hospital, surrounded by her family.
Reflecting on their four decades together, Governor Eno described their marriage as a partnership built on mutual love, unwavering companionship, and deep-rooted Christian faith. He noted that her influence extended far beyond the traditional portfolio of a governor’s wife, weaving itself intrinsically into the daily lives of those she encountered through her charity initiatives and maternal warmth.
“There are some people whose lives cannot be adequately measured by the number of years they have spent with us. Their presence becomes woven into the fabric of our families. My beloved wife, Kemi, and mother of our children was such a woman,” the governor reflected emotionally.
As part of the memorial tributes, the governor commended his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, for authoring a commemorative book in honor of her mother. Titled The Patience to Build: Lessons from my Mother, the literary work captures the resilience, grace, and foundational life lessons instilled by the late First Lady throughout her lifetime.
Political Implications and Governance Stability in Akwa Ibom
Political analysts observing the developments in Akwa Ibom State note that Governor Eno’s swift and categorical clarification is a strategic move to preserve political harmony within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the broader state political ecosystem.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Eno has consistently maintained a policy of continuity, pledging to complete ongoing projects initiated by the Udom Emmanuel administration while introducing his own economic blueprint known as the "ARISE Agenda." This agenda focuses on agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructure maintenance, security, and educational advancement.
Maintaining a cordial and visible alliance with his predecessor has been a cornerstone of Governor Eno’s political strategy, insulating his administration from unnecessary intra-party squabbles that have historically plagued transitions of power in other Nigerian states. By directly addressing the rumor mill from a pulpit—a venue carrying immense moral authority in the deeply religious Niger Delta state—Eno successfully defused a narrative that threatened to manufacture a rift between political heavyweights.
Moreover, the clarification regarding the Onna industrial facilities highlights the complex reality of managing public-private partnerships inherited from past administrations. Many sub-national governments across Nigeria face challenges with industrial assets built during previous economic booms that subsequently struggle with foreign exchange fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and operational capital deficits. Governor Eno’s reference to the legal limitations of state intervention in private entities underscores a pragmatic approach to governance, distinguishing between populist demands for immediate bailouts and sustainable, legally sound economic policies.
Looking Ahead: Continuity and Regional Development
As Akwa Ibom State moves forward, the administration remains focused on its developmental milestones. The local government areas, including Onna, continue to see infrastructure rollout designed to boost local trade and commerce. Simultaneously, the state continues to mourn and celebrate the enduring philanthropic and social legacies left behind by Patience Eno, whose Office of the First Lady championed numerous empowerment programs for women and vulnerable children.
Saturday’s memorial service ultimately served dual purposes: a solemn spiritual gathering to comfort a grieving family and a decisive political platform to reaffirm unity at the highest levels of Akwa Ibom leadership. With the air cleared regarding his relationship with Deacon Udom Emmanuel, Governor Umo Eno has signaled that his administration remains unified, focused on economic continuity, and resilient against political distractions as he steers the state toward its long-term developmental goals.
