The Akwa Ibom State Government has formally addressed a viral video featuring Jane Edidiong Ufot, daughter of Governor Umo Eno, who, in a moment of distress, made statements perceived by many as accusing her father of being responsible for the death of her mother, the late First Lady, Patience Umo Eno. In the widely circulated clip, which resurfaced after the First Lady's passing on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Jane is heard declaring, "I'm not a sacrifice, mummy was, but I'm not," further adding, "If I die today or my daughter dies. If we die because God is exposing the truth, so be it. But my blood will not go scot-free."
In response to the widespread reactions and speculation ignited by the video, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the state’s Commissioner for Information, issued a statement condemning what he termed an attempt to politicize a deeply personal family tragedy. Titled “Government Will Not Be Distracted by Falsehood and Malicious Propaganda,” the official release characterized the viral footage as an "emotional outburst" taken out of context and deliberately "weaponized for political purposes" by "detractors and self-styled ‘pastorpreneurs’."
The government clarified that the video was recorded shortly after the First Lady's death and captured the emotional distress of a grieving daughter who, they allege, had been "misled by external influences." The statement emphasized that it is "disheartening that a private and traumatic moment involving a grieving young girl is now being maliciously weaponized," and crucially pointed out that "at no point in the said video did the child accuse the Governor of causing her mother’s death, as falsely portrayed by mischief makers." The government further suggested that the young girl was under the influence of "false prophets," seeking attention and reassurance from her father during her intense grief.
The statement also brought to light Governor Umo Eno’s own comments on the controversy during a media interaction on May 31, 2025. The Governor was quoted as saying, "My family is intact, and you can see all of them here, including Jane. That event happened immediately after my wife’s death last year. Why is it resurfacing now, on the eve of our second anniversary, when we are celebrating the milestones we have achieved? People must understand the psychological toll such a loss can take on children. I appeal to all to allow my wife’s peaceful soul to rest. Let us not revive sorrow for political amusement."
Expressing disappointment, the government accused those allegedly responsible for circulating the video of being unsettled by the administration’s achievements and attempting to divert attention from ongoing development efforts under the ARISE Agenda. The statement concluded by reaffirming Governor Umo Eno’s character, highlighting that he is "not only the Governor of Akwa Ibom State but also an ordained pastor, a humane and compassionate leader, whose legendary love and care for the people continue to define and inspire his people-centered approach to governance."
