Akwa Ibom Governor Refutes Report Of Daughter’s Appointment As First Lady, Clarifies Coordination Role

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has refuted a media report suggesting that his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, has been appointed as the First Lady of the state following the passing of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, on September 26, 2024.

During a condolence visit by the Wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Eno explained that his daughter, who had served as the Special Assistant to her late mother, is now coordinating the Office of the First Lady. He emphasized that this was a natural decision, not a political one, aimed at sustaining the office’s programs and bringing healing to the family.

Governor Eno stressed that “First Ladies are not appointed” and clarified that his daughter’s role is to ensure the continuity of key initiatives like the “Golden Initiative For All” and support programs for women, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. He further explained, “By appointment, she is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady. This is not political, it is natural.”

He reiterated that appointing his daughter as coordinator would help maintain the programs her mother started and affirmed his trust in her experience, exposure, and dedication to the role.

Eno also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Tinubu for her timely visit and acknowledgment of Mrs. Obareki’s coordination role.