Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has dismissed a trending video featuring his daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, as a calculated attempt by political opponents to sow discord within his family and distract from his administration’s achievements.
The governor reacted publicly to the video during the birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, held in Uyo.
The event had in attendance close family members, including Jane—who currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Safety, and Environment.
In the viral clip recorded shortly after the death of Governor Eno’s wife, Patience Eno, Jane tearfully accuses her father of involvement in what she described as a “sacrifice,” suggesting her mother’s death was unnatural.
“Mummy was—I’m not. I give you a few minutes. If you don’t act, I’ll post this everywhere,” she said in one of the videos.
Another disturbing segment features Jane speaking to her daughter, asking the child to tell “Grandpa” if he wanted them “to die like my baby brother died,” raising questions that sparked renewed public concern.
However, Governor Eno, while addressing the media, clarified the circumstances surrounding the video.
“We are in political times, so you expect more of this. My family is intact—you can see everyone here,” he said.
“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.”
He added that his daughter and her husband were present at the gathering, noting that the video was a product of grief and emotional turmoil.
“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,” he said.
Reaffirming his focus on governance, the governor warned against the politicization of family matters.
“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.”
Mrs. Patience Eno was confirmed dead on September 26, 2024, after a brief illness. The Akwa Ibom State Government, in a statement, said she passed away peacefully in the presence of her family.
In the wake of her passing, Lady Helen Obareki, the governor’s eldest daughter, was appointed to carry on her mother’s legacy through the “Golden Initiatives For All” (GIFA) pet project.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed speculations have swirled over the possible existence of a second wife, although the government has not responded officially to such rumours.
As public discourse around the video continues online, the governor’s remarks have sought to draw a line under the matter, urging restraint and decency from political opponents.
“We must draw a line between politics and personal grief. Let us be human, at the very least,” he concluded.
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