- Safiu Kehinde
Akwa-Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, has vowed to uphold late wife’s legacy in the state.
One week after Patience Umo Eno’s death, the governor finally broke silence as he addressed the state in a broadcast on Friday.
While maintaining that he is not in despair over the demise of the Akwa-Ibom first lady, Umo Eno expressed his gratitude to the people of Akwa-Ibom, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, lawmakers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressive Congress (APC), and other political parties as well as other well-wishers for their messages.
He, however, affirmed that the late first lady’s Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), as well as all other initiatives she had started will be sustained and expanded.
“Let me particularly thank our dear people from all strata of life, who have risen in unison across party lines to commiserate with us, through prayers, condolences and phone calls, and even suspended campaign activities to honour the memory of our First Lady. We are deeply grateful.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure all that, we will pursue everything she held dear while she was with us. The Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), as well as all other initiatives she had started will be sustained and expanded.
“The machinery of State will continue to function seamlessly as Government will continue to be alive to her responsibilities. Our focus will not be shifted from rendering services to our people with renewed strength as this is what Kemi has always prayed for.
“Let me appreciate you my dear people for honouring the demise of my late wife, with the flag being flown at half mast for seven (7) days, that would come to an end on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
“Permit me to commend our security agencies for maintaining the peace during this solemn moment in our dear State and urge them to do more to maintain the peace, as we go into the Local Government Elections.
“Finally, I must confess that your words of encouragement have helped a great deal in comforting us at this moment of great loss, grief and bereavement. I trust that you will continue to respect our privacy as we journey through this grief.
“Further announcements on the burial arrangements will be made public at the appropriate time as we will not mourn as those who have no hope in Christ Jesus.” Umo Eno said.