Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has vowed never to address his late wife Patience Eno in the past tense.
The governor spoke at his wife’s funeral service on Friday in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubuim Local Government Area.
“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever,” he said.
“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here celebrating your memories and as I look at our children and grandchildren, I take consolation in the fact that the journey that began 40 years ago in church has been a journey of growth and immeasurable blessings and we will be fine.
“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my Oluwakemi, alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts and warm in my heart.”
Wife of the vice president Nana Shettima lauded the deceased’s contributions to humanity and urged her family to emulate her legacies.
The funeral service was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Akwa Ibom governor Udom Emmanuel.
Also in attendance were the minister of state for petroleum (gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot among others.
Mrs Eno died of an undisclosed illness on September 26. She was aged 57.