PICTORIAL: Jonathan, Akpabio, Govs, Others Bid Late Akwa Ibom First Lady Farewell

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and wife, Patience; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and wife, Ekaette; governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and their wives as well as senators and their wives were among other eminent Nigerians that paid their final respect in honour of the late first lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno on Friday.

Tributes from dignitaries from all walks of life poured in torrents, as family, friends and well-wishers took turns to extol the virtues of the late wife of Governor Umo Eno at Ikot Ekpene-Udo country home of the Governor in Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

In his special tribute during the funeral ceremony, Governor Eno who relived the fond memories with his late wife, said she would remain fresh in his thoughts and warm in his heart.

He promised not to forget her or describe her in past tense throughout the rest of his life on earth.

“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, a part of me is gone, but i will cherish the memories we shared forever.

“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memories, and as I look at our children and grandchildren, I take consolation in the fact that, the journey that began 40 years ago, in church, has been a journey of growth and immeasurable blessings and we will be fine.

“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my “Oluwakemi,” alive in my mine, fresh in my thoughts and warm in my heart,” Eno stated.

In her remarks, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima who recalled the laudable contributions to humanity by the departed First Lady, urged the family to emulate her legacies.

Earlier in his homely, Rev. Simeon Afolabi of the First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, who spoke on the topic; “When Death of Love Ones Occurs,” said whenever loved ones die, our world strain because of what we think of her, adding that anyone who make a difference in life does not die alone.

Drawing copiously from 1 Thessalonians 4;15-16, Afolabi urged the family of the late first lady to emulate the good legacies of their late mother.

Other dignitaries at the solemn ceremony include Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimna; Abia State governor, Gov Alex Otti, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

Others include the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekprikpe Ekpo; the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana and a host of other dignitaries.