Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has responded to a viral video in which his daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, appeared to accuse him of being responsible for the death of her mother, the late Mrs. Patience Eno.
Governor Eno addressed the issue during a public event in Uyo, where he attended the birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere. Also present at the event were members of his family, including Jane herself, who currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Health, Safety, and Environment.
Reacting to the resurfaced video, Eno said it was recorded shortly after his wife passed away in 2024 and described its current circulation as the work of political enemies trying to create division and distract from his administration’s achievements.
“We’re in political times, so you expect more of this,” Eno said. “My family is intact—you can see everyone here. 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 urged the public to allow his family to heal, saying, “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.”
The governor made it clear he would not allow the controversy to derail his focus. “I remain committed to serving the people of Akwa Ibom. I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anyone. But even in politics, families should be off-limits,” he said.
The late Mrs. Patience Eno was reported by Government House, Uyo, to have passed away “peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024” after an undisclosed illness. But the now-viral video raised disturbing questions. In the video, Jane is seen appealing to her father, saying, “I am not a sacrifice. Mummy was—I’m not. If you don’t act, I’ll post this everywhere.”
In another clip, she speaks to her daughter, who is heard saying, “Do you want us to die like my baby brother died?” Jane then adds emotionally, “If I die today, or if my daughter dies… so be it. But my blood will not go in vain.”
Despite the emotional content of the videos, the governor emphasized that his family remains united and that Jane is still actively involved in government duties. Following the passing of Mrs. Eno, the governor appointed his eldest daughter, Lady Helen Obareki, to continue her mother’s pet project, “Golden Initiatives For All” (GIFA), leading to speculation about internal family matters, including rumours of a second wife.
The Governor’s comments aim to calm the tension caused by the video and redirect public attention to governance. However, the emotional nature of the footage has sparked wide reactions across social media.
