The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and governors elected on its platform have said the death of Akwa Ibom First Lady, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, was a big blow to Governor Eno and the people of the State.
In a separate statements issued on Friday, the duo described Mrs. Eno as a devout wife and mother.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, in a statement issued by the Director General of the forum, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, Akwa Ibom State, said “a people and a community has lost a caring purposeful mother.”
Mohammed who is governor Adamawa State, added that the PDP Governors’ Forum was rudely shocked by the sudden death, and unexpected demise of Akwa Ibom State first lady.
“This is one sunset that calls for sober reflections on the essence of life,” he stated.
The governor described Mrs. Eno who was also a pastor, as an exemplary Christian mother and wife, who gave so much support to her husband.
“In their over 37 years of marriage, the mother of their six children and grand-mum of nine grandchildren was inseparable from her husband; their love was limitless and she meant all to him – a confidant, an adviser, prayer partner, number-one supporter and soul-mate,” he noted
Governor Mohammed stated that the late first lady was a symbol of hope and selfless love, noting that her efforts significantly impacted on many lives through her philanthropic organisation, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), an organisation, he added, focused on humanitarian activities and addressing poverty within to vulnerable populations and marginalised communities in Akwa Ibom.
“There is no doubt that this shattering death has robbed our governor of a confidant, an adviser, a prayer partner, a soul-mate, an anchor and his number-one cheerleader.
“It has also stolen from all of us, the passion and compassion that she brought to bear in stabilising the ship of state and the first family and friends and happening at this point when the baton for steering the ship requires utmost stability and steadiness of hand, is nothing short of cruelty.
PDP in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, said it was heart-broken and devastated by the news of Mrs Umo Eno’s death.
“Our hearts bleed. Words are not enough to convey the anguish, sorrow and pain we bear at this moment as a Party and a family, the party said.
PDP described “Mrs. Eno was an angelic personality; a graceful and compassionate soul; God’s own faithful and trusted servant, who loved the Lord and devoted her life for the good and welfare of others with grace, humility and love.”
The party regretted that Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and humanity have lost one of their best and brightest.
“Pastor Mrs. Umo Eno was a dazzling star taken from earth to brighten the heavenly realm.
“She was an epitome of peace, very caring mother and dutiful wife; an enduring lesson in humility, love and selflessness who lived as a pillar of support, dependable friend, companion and confidant to her husband Governor Umo Eno in his service to God, Akwa Ibom State and our dear fatherland,” PDP stated.