Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has explained the role her first daughter would play in the state government when she took over the coordination of the late wife's office.
The First Lady of Akwa Ibom, Patience Eno, died on September 26 in a hospital following an undisclosed illness.
What Tinubu's wife told Eno
On Friday, October 4, when Eno received Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President of Nigeria, who was on a condolence visit to Uyo, the governor introduced his first daughter, Helen Obareki, to Mrs. Tinubu as the person in charge of “coordinate the office of the First Lady,” according to the transcript of the interaction during the visit seen by PREMIUM TIMES.
Eno told Tinubu that Helen would work with “all her mothers” in Akwa Ibom, including the deputy governor and the commissioner for women’s affairs.
“I didn't know you would do this so publicly, but even in America that's how it's done. That is how I understand it,” Mrs Tinubu, who was accompanied by Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, and Unoma Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate, responded to the governor.
Addressing the governor’s daughter, Mrs Tinubu said: “Helen, your mother did not bring you here for nothing, and it is good that your mother’s colleagues are here and the vice president’s wife is here.
“I know Helena very well.
Article page promoting financial support President Tinubu's wife expressed condolences to Governor Eno and his daughter, Helen
“Helena, God will be with you. Don't worry, you will do more than your mom and God will give you good health, okay?
When the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, visited Uyo to sympathize with Eno over the death of his wife, the governor repeated what he told Tinubu. He said he was not going to marry a new wife.
“No one can fill that void. His legacy will live in our hearts.
“She had started projects and I had to introduce our daughter Helen to the First Lady (of Nigeria) so that she would step in and coordinate that office, so that the office would remain active in executing the programs that she (the late first lady ) ) had begun.”
Mr. Eno is a pastor, as is his late wife. They were married for 38 years and had six children.
'First ladies are not named'
During the church service at the All Nations International Christian Ministry on Sunday, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, clarified why he appointed his daughter as the coordinator of the office of the governor's wife after the death of his wife.
Photos from the church service show Mr. Eno and another man, apparently a clergyman, praying for Helena.
“First ladies are not named. They come with the governor and she had been with the mother from the beginning.
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“The First Lady is gone, but the First Lady's work must continue, which is why I choose our first daughter,” Governor Eno told congregants.
Eno's comment was reflected in a statement issued on Sunday by the media unit of the Office of the Governor's Wife of Akwa Ibom State.
The governor then said: “I do so, fully aware that the office of First Lady has responsibilities to the women of this state. My wife had programs she ran: the Gold Initiative for All, the ARISE Initiative for Seniors, and others. As long as he remains governor, those programs will not die.
“By appointment, she is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and the Coordinator of the First Lady's office.
“Let the office continue to function. “I will be comforted.”