Govs of Bayelsa, C’River, Rivers, NUJ, Celebrated A’Ibom Pastor, Damina Condole Eno On Wife’s Death

Condolence messages are pouring in for the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno who is currently mourning over the sad loss of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.

The governor’s wife was said to have died on late on Thursday but the confirmation came on Friday morning from the state commissioner for information, Ini Ememobong.

Among those who have expressed sympathy with the governor are the Senior Pastor of the Power City International, Uyo, Dr Abel Damina as well as the governors of Rivers, Cross River and Bayelsa states.

In his condolence message, the Damina said with the exit of the governor’s wife, the state has lost a quintessential mother.

He wrote in a statement signed by him that “I received with shock, the news of the death of the wife of our governor, Mrs Patience Umo Eno. It was difficult to believe the news until I saw a press statement from the ministry of information.

“This is one death that has clearly disorganized, unsettled and disoriented not just the governor but the entire people of the state. It is a debilitating loss indeed.

“I feel for the governor and members of his immediate family. The widows and less privileged people of Akwa Ibom and all those who have benefitted from her motherly activities will really miss her. Akwa Ibom miss her dearly.

On behalf of my family and members of our church, I sincerely condole with the governor and urge him to take heart. May God comfort him and the family and give them the grace to pull through at this time.”

On his part, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri said in a statement signed by his chif press secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, that his Akwa Ibom counterpart had lost a solid and dependable partner.

 “I share in the grief of my brother-governor of Akwa Ibom State over the very sad news of the passage of his dear wife. Mrs. Eno showed great passion for uplifting the people of Akwa Ibom, particularly the womenfolk, alongside her husband.

“Her untimely death is a big loss to the state as it would create an irreplaceable vacuum. On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I extend my heartfelt and sincere condolences to Governor Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom.

“I pray God Almighty grant Governor Eno, her family and people of the state the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Also, the Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara said in a condolence signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi that the state government “received with sadness the news of the death of your lovely wife, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, who transitioned to glory on 26th September, 2024.

“Although, death is a certain end for every mortal, it is always painful to experience the loss of someone so dear to you, particularly one whom you have had a special bond from many years. This is why we truly understand how devastating this must be for you, knowing how close you were to your wife, and the positive influence she has had on you as a strong dependable pillar of support and inspiration.

“While we lack words to express the loss you bear, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the good Lord encourage and strengthen you and members of your family at this time of grief.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Rivers State, I pray God Almighty to grant you and the entire Eno family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Please, accept our sincere condolences,” he said.”

Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, governor of Cross River State in a statement by his chief press secretary, Gill Nsa, on his part, lamented the loss, saying, “the government and citizens of Cross River State stand in solidarity with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, in mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno.”

“In Cross River State, as a sister state, we are profoundly saddened by this news, yet we humbly accept the decree of her Creator and draw solace from the timeless wisdom found in the Scriptures, particularly in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, which reminds us that there is a season for everything – a time to be born and a time to die.”

“Once again, we find strength in our faith that Governor HE Pastor Umo Eno, who has been entrusted with a Divine Mandate to spread the teachings of God, comprehends the Divine Plan and therefore refrains from questioning the Almighty Creator.”

“On behalf of my spouse, Rev. Eyoanwan, the Government, and the people of Cross River State, we offer our deepest condolences during this period of sorrow and irreplaceable loss. May God be a source of comfort and strength for you and the residents of Akwa Ibom State.”

This is just as the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akwa Ibom State, NUJ, has sympathised with Eno on the irreparable loss. Chairman of the NUJ, Mr Amos Etuk and the secretary, Mr Dominic Akpan said in a statement they jointly signed that whereas the presence of the governor’s wife would be missed, her impact on the lives of people would not be forgotten.