Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has responded to an old video of his daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, that recently resurfaced online. In the video, Jane, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Safety, and Environment, made emotional statements following the death of her mother, Patience Umo, the former First Lady, who passed away on September 26, 2024.
In one of the videos, Jane called on her father directly, saying she was not a sacrifice and urging him to talk with her before things got worse. In another clip, she appeared distressed while speaking to her daughter, asking her to tell her grandfather, “Do you want them to kill us?” She referred to the death of her baby brother and said if she or her child died, her blood “would not go scot-free.” She also asked that the message be shared, saying she valued her life above all else.
Reacting on Saturday, May 31, Governor Eno explained that the video was recorded shortly after his wife’s death last year and described the recent circulation as a political strategy by his opponents. He pointed out the timing, noting that it resurfaced while the state marked his administration’s second anniversary.
He confirmed that his daughter is safe and with her husband, adding that the family remains united. He acknowledged that the children had gone through a lot, describing the loss of a parent as deeply traumatic.
Governor Eno urged the public to stop sharing the video, stating that it would only reopen painful wounds. He expressed sorrow over his wife’s passing and stressed that his focus remains on serving the people of Akwa Ibom. He also stated that while political rivalry is expected, personal family matters should be respected and kept out of public attacks.
