The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has extended its condolence to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, over the loss of his wife, Pastor Patience.
Mrs Eno died on Thursday in a hospital following an undisclosed illness, according to a statement issued on Friday morning by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Ini Emembong.
Reacting to the loss, the NGF in a statement by Kwara State Governor/Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Friday, said it was “shocked at the sudden death of Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno, wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State HE Pastor Umo Eno.
“The NGF sends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency the Governor, the family, and the people of Akwa Ibom on this devastating loss of the precious jewel.
“Our hearts are with His Excellency and his family at this difficult moment, and we ask that God Almighty give him all the strength he needs to soldier on.”
This is as the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, in a press release on Friday, has directed that flags be flown half-mast in Government offices and facilities across the state as a symbol of ”our collective grief and mourning.”
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The forum prayed to God to repose the soul of the late First Lady of the state and give the family the fortitude to bear this huge loss.
Akwa Ibom PDP Suspends LG campaign
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has put its political campaign for local elections in the state on hold following the death of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno.
Local elections in Akwa Ibom is scheduled for 26 October and political parties have been campaigning for votes.
Announcing the suspension of campaigns in a statement on Friday, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Edwin Ebiese, said “This devastating news has left our party, and indeed the entire state, in a state of mourning.”
“As we struggle to come to terms with this immense loss, we are compelled to pause our campaign activities as a mark of respect for the departed First Lady.
“We regret any inconvenience this suspension may cause and appreciate the understanding of our supporters and the general public during this difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his immediate family, the government, and people of Akwa Ibom State. May God grant the family of the deceased and our state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
