President Bola Tinubu and the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) have commiserated with Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno over the death of his wife Patience Eno.
Mrs Eno died on Thursday at an undisclosed hospital surrounded by her family.
Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga in a statement on Friday said the president, on behalf of the Federal Government, commiserated with the bereaved family, the state government and people of Akwa Ibom.
“The President joins them in mourning the painful and profound loss of the state’s First Lady, who has supported Governor Eno’s administration. The President affirms that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.
“President Tinubu acknowledges that through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.
“He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations,” the statement said.
Also, the SGF, in a statement by its chairman Governor Dapo Abiodun, described the governor’s late wife as a remarkable woman who was the pillar behind her husband’s success in both the private and public sectors.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Governor Pastor Umo Eno on the tragic passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno. A remarkable woman, Pastor Patience was not only a devoted partner to the governor but also a pillar of strength and inspiration to countless individuals in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general,” said the forum.
The governors encouraged Eno to find solace in the love and memories shared with the deceased as well as in the support of family, friends and the people of Akwa Ibom.