Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has responded to media reports suggesting that his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, has been appointed as the new First Lady of the state. Speaking at the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket on Sunday, Governor Eno clarified that the position held by his daughter is not an official appointment as First Lady, but rather a coordination role for the office following the demise of his wife, the late First Lady.
Governor Eno emphasized that his daughter’s role as the Senior Special Assistant to him, with responsibility for coordinating the office of the First Lady, is not a political maneuver but a natural progression given the circumstances. He explained that during a condolence visit by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, he made it clear that his daughter was already in the right position to oversee the activities of the office, especially considering the close relationship she had with her late mother.
“I made a statement, and I would like to repeat that statement for the avoidance of doubt,” Governor Eno said. “First Ladies are not appointed, they come with the Governor. Our daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki will coordinate the office of the First Lady. She had been with the mother from the beginning, and you heard the First Lady of the Nation, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, say ‘The mother introduced her to me’.”
The Governor explained that Helen’s role as the coordinator is a natural decision, more a result of the circumstances than a political calculation. “So appointing her as the Coordinator is not an appointment of a First Lady. You don’t appoint a First Lady,” he reiterated, stressing that Helen’s experience, exposure, and education made her the best candidate to manage the responsibilities of the office during this transitional period.
Governor Eno also highlighted that, in the wake of the late First Lady’s passing, the priority will be to sustain and advance the programs that she had initiated, particularly the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which supports women, the elderly, and the vulnerable in the state. “As long as I remain Governor, those programmes will not die,” Eno declared, reinforcing that Helen’s role will ensure the continuity of these crucial initiatives.
He further explained that his decision to appoint Helen as the coordinator was aimed at bringing healing to the family and ensuring that the office remains functional. “This is not political, it is natural,” the Governor said. “All I pray for is support and wisdom for her to be able to ensure that none of those programmes will die and that she will bring more insight and innovation to the Office.”
In his speech, Governor Eno drew a parallel to a biblical story, stating, “Even when Jesus died, Peter said to choose from amongst us those that were with Jesus.” He highlighted that, just as the apostles chose someone close to Jesus, it was important for the office of the First Lady to have someone who was already familiar with the responsibilities and who could provide direct oversight.
Governor Eno also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her entourage for their recent condolence visit, calling it timely and acknowledging that her recognition of Helen’s role as coordinator was “apt.” He thanked the Church for their messages of support and encouraged them to find solace in God’s word rather than succumbing to despair in the wake of their mourning.
The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining the work of the late First Lady and reiterated that Helen’s role is a vital step toward ensuring the continuity of her legacy and the advancement of her charitable programs in Akwa Ibom State.
