By Olawale Lamina
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has lost his wife, Firs Lady Patience Umo Eno, to the cold hands of death following an undisclosed health issues.
The state commissioner for information, Ini Ememobong, announced the first lady’s passing in a statement in the early hours of Friday.
According to the commissioner, Mrs. Patience Eno Umo passed on Thursday in a hospital while his family members were present .
The state commissioner for information simply stated that “further details will be provided,” even as he expressed the appreciation of governor Umo Eno to those who stood by the family in this period of grief.
In announcing the demise of the state first lady, a statement reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness. She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family.
“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time. Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
Among early sympathizers is Mr. Michael BUSH, a broadcaster and columnists with the Sun newspaper and The Pinnacle Times online newspaper.
Michael BUSH, an indigene of the state shared his condolences on Friday, shortly after the announcement of the passing of the state first lady: “On behalf of The BUSH Clan…..Sadly, we also cannot but mention at this juncture…a bigger Patience. Our hearts go out to Gov. Umo Eno, the First Family and all of us in Akwa Ibom state on the sudden loss of our First Lady and Mother, Pastor Patience.
“Of course, the First Family and our state shall survive these times. We are comforted. We are healed. We are strengthened.
“Death cannot defeat us, because our Lord and Master and Saviour already defeated the toothless bulldog two thousand and twenty four years back in time. Death is not the end. When saints leave this realm, they go straight to the higher and better realm, to be with God…”
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