Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has clarified that he has not appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the new First Lady following the passing of his wife, Patience Umo Eno.
On September 26, the state’s First Lady, Patience, died after an illness, leading to public confusion regarding her office’s continuity.
During a condolence visit by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Eno mentioned that his daughter would help coordinate the affairs of the late First Lady’s office, specifically her pet projects.
However, this was misinterpreted by some as an appointment of his daughter to the role of First Lady.
In a statement issued by Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, it was clarified that Helen Eno-Obareki has been appointed as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady to ensure the continuation of her late mother’s initiatives, including the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA).
The statement emphasized that “First Ladies are not appointed,” and there was no precedent for such a role being assigned in this manner.
The statement further noted that Helen’s new position is strictly to maintain the projects and functions initiated by her late mother, not to assume the title or duties of the First Lady.