Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has rejected suggestions of a strained relationship between him and his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, assuring that he holds the former governor and other past leaders in high regard.
Eno made the clarification on Saturday during a memorial service for his late wife and former First Lady, Patience, at All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket Local Government Area.
The governor said his upbringing taught him to respect those who came before him and that the principle remains part of his character.
His comments followed controversy over a statement he made while responding to the Paramount Ruler of Onna LGA during the commissioning of a 14-kilometre road in the area.
The traditional ruler had asked the state government to intervene in the affairs of some non-functioning industries in the area, including a syringe factory and a flour mill.
Eno explained that his use of the Ibibio word “Unadot” during the exchange was simply a reference to “people” and was not meant to demean anyone.
He said, “Since he spoke in Ibibio, I responded in Ibibio, that if they have a problem, let them tell us through the Commissioner for Special Duties, who is an indigene there.”
The governor maintained that Emmanuel had no connection with the issue because the state government does not hold shares in the companies concerned.
“I never, standing on this altar of God where I have preached for over 20 years, mentioned or had Udom Emmanuel in mind. It didn’t even connect to him because he is not a shareholder in that business,” Eno said.
He further pointed to the use of the term “unadod” in an Efik hymn as evidence that the word should not be interpreted as offensive.
“In the Efik Hymn Book, Hymn No. 246, the last stanza has ‘unadod,’ and if this was derogatory, I don’t know how it would have found itself in the songbook. It is an Ibibio word that means ‘the people.’ I was simply referring to the people who own the businesses.
“Let me say this for the last time: I will never have a problem with my predecessor. I have shown, both privately and publicly, the respect I have for Deacon Udom Emmanuel. I will never disrespect him or any past leader in this state,” he added.
The governor also reflected on the life of his late wife, describing her as a central figure in the family whose impact would continue to be remembered.
“There are some people whose lives cannot be adequately measured by the number of years they have spent with us. Their presence becomes woven into the fabric of our families. My beloved wife, Kemi, and mother of our children was such a woman,” he said.
Eno recalled their 40 years together and described the relationship as one sustained by love, faith and companionship.
He also acknowledged his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, for writing a book about her mother titled “The Patience to Build: Lessons from my Mother.”
Patience’s death was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong.
She died in a hospital on September 26, 2024, with members of her family around her.
