Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has clarified that his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, has not been appointed as the First Lady of the state but will instead coordinate the office following the death of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, on September 26, 2024. The governor’s statement came in response to a media report (not from The PUNCH) that suggested his daughter had been officially appointed as First Lady.
Governor Eno explained that the role of coordinating the office of the First Lady was a natural decision and one that would help bring healing to his family while ensuring continuity in the state’s programs, particularly those focused on women, the elderly, and the vulnerable. He emphasized that First Ladies are not appointed; they accompany governors into office.
In a recent address, Governor Eno said, “Please listen to me and listen well, First Ladies are not appointed, they come with the governor. I made a statement, and I would like to repeat that statement for the avoidance of doubt.”
He further explained that Mrs. Obareki, who had been deeply involved in her mother’s programs, would serve as the coordinator of the office due to her familiarity with the responsibilities and programs that had been initiated. “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, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, say ‘The mother introduced her to me,’” he added.
Governor Eno highlighted the necessity of having someone with direct access to him and who could closely monitor the office’s activities. “So, by appointment, she is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady. This is not political, it is natural,” he said. He further emphasized that the move was not politically motivated but rather a family decision made to ensure the continuity of important state programs.
The governor reiterated that priority would be given to his late wife’s flagship initiative, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), along with other programs supporting the elderly, women, and the less privileged. He stressed that these programs could only be sustained with Mrs. Obareki at the helm due to her experience, education, and close association with her mother’s work.
Speaking at the All Nations Christian Ministry Intl in Eket, the governor said the decision to have his daughter coordinate the office was a natural progression. “The only reason I brought this up again is for clarification, that I am conscious of what I am doing, and it is to bring healing to the family and allow the office to keep running. That’s one of the ways I will be comforted,” he explained.
Governor Eno also referred to a biblical precedent for his decision, drawing on the example of Peter choosing successors after Jesus’ death. “Even when Jesus died, Peter said ‘Choose from amongst us those that were with Jesus.’ So, for me, the Office of the First Lady has responsibilities to the women of this state,” he said. He added that as long as he remained governor, the programs initiated by his late wife would continue to flourish.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and her team for their support during the difficult period, noting that their visit was timely and provided much-needed comfort. He praised Mrs. Tinubu for acknowledging the decision to have Mrs. Obareki coordinate the office as appropriate and fitting.
In his closing remarks, Governor Eno extended his appreciation to the church and the public for their condolences and support during this trying time. He encouraged the congregation to find solace in the word of God while continuing to pray for his family.
