Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has dismissed claims of a family dispute linked to the death of his wife, insisting that the circulating video alleging a feud. within his household is false and politically motivated.
Speaking on Saturday at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort during the 60th birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor Obong Nsima Ekere, Eno addressed questions from Government House correspondents about a trending video purportedly released by a family member. The video resurfaced online, hinting at internal conflicts tied to his late wife’s passing.
“This event happened immediately after my wife passed on, and that was last year. So why is it trending now?” the governor asked. “My family is intact. You can see that Jane herself is here; that’s Helen and her husband. We have a good family.”
Governor Says Viral Video Is Politically Timed
Governor Eno said the release and timing of the video were suspicious. With his administration approaching its second anniversary, he believes the video was deliberately timed to disrupt public trust in his leadership and distract from his achievements under the ARISE Agenda.
He said, “We are in political times, so you can expect more of that. My family is intact… My focus remains on delivering the ARISE Agenda.”
Umo Eno Calls For Respect For His Late Wife
Reacting further to the resurfaced footage, the governor urged the public to allow his late wife to rest in peace. “It is enough that I have lost my wife,” he said. “I pray that they allow her peaceful soul to rest in peace. I cannot be distracted.”
He noted that grief affects people differently, especially children, and condemned attempts to weaponize a family’s pain for political gain.
“Pressure on the children when they lose a loved one can be traumatic,” he said. “To those spreading these rumours, if that is what they wish for themselves, I wish them luck.”
Umo Eno Denies Family Rift Over Wife’s Death
Despite the controversy, Governor Eno congratulated Obong Nsima Ekere on his milestone birthday and reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom. He concluded that nothing not even false family rift claims would stop his dedication to governance.
