President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, were among prominent Nigerians who expressed their condolences to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, over the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
Mrs Eno, aged 57, died in the presence of her family members at a hospital on Thursday after a brief illness.
Tinubu commiserated with the Eno family, adding that Patience was the wife to a visionary governor who embodied humility, resilience and loyalty.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday read, “President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands.
“He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support.”
Also, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commiserated with the state governor over his wife’s death.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said he was immensely saddened by Mrs Eno’s death, adding that her kindness, compassion and commitment to the cause of the Akwa Ibom people would be missed.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, condoled with the governor.
In the same vein, the Southern Governors’ Forum, in a statement by the SGF Chairman and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the late Pastor Eno as a remarkable woman who was the pillar behind her husband’s success.
Also, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in his condolence message, said, “We received with sadness the news of the death of your lovely wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, who transitioned to glory on September 26, 2024.
“While we lack words to express the loss you bear, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the good Lord encourage and strengthen you and members of your family at this time of grief.”
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the late First Lady as a resourceful woman and philanthropist who gave her best to humanity.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, expressed his sorrow and commiserated with the Eno family.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with my brother Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno.
“I also express my deepest condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Eno family, as well as wives of all the state governors in Nigeria over her demise.”
Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, on Friday, prayed to God to rest the soul of Mrs Eno in his bosom and grant her loved ones the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, also expressed deep sympathy and commiserated with Eno over his wife’s demise.
In a press statement signed on Friday by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Akwa Ibom State.