Governor Umo Eno Responds to Daughter’s Viral Video Allegations, Decries Political Motive Behind Its Resurgence [VIDEO]

 

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has publicly addressed a deeply emotional and controversial video that resurfaced online this past week. The footage, originally recorded in 2024, features his daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, making troubling claims in the wake of her mother’s death. The late Patience Umo, former First Lady of the state, passed away on September 26, 2024—a loss that clearly left a profound mark on the family.

The video, now making the rounds on social media platforms, shows Jane tearfully accusing her father of intentions that have sparked widespread public discourse. She claims that she, like her late mother and brother, was being positioned as a "sacrifice," and pleads for her safety. In her words: “My name is Jane Eddidiong Ufot, SSA to the Governor on Health, Safety and Environment. Daddy, I’m sending this post to you alone. Please, let’s talk before this destroys everything. I am not a sacrifice. Mummy was—I’m not.”

One of the most harrowing moments occurs when Jane, with her daughter beside her, delivers a heartbreaking message: “Tell Grandpa, ‘Do you want them to kill us? Do you want us to d!e like my baby brother d!ed?’” She continues with a warning, asking the public to share the video in the event of any harm coming to her or her child.

Governor Eno responded to the media on Saturday, May 31, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the video. Flanked by members of his family, including Jane and her husband, he described the video's resurgence as a calculated move by political adversaries aimed at destabilizing his administration during a key celebratory moment—his second year in office.

“These are political times,” he said solemnly. “You expect things like this to happen. The video in question was recorded last year, shortly after my wife passed. So why is it resurfacing now, right as we’re marking our anniversary and reflecting on what we’ve accomplished? The timing alone speaks volumes.”

Governor Eno explained that his family, despite the immense grief experienced following the loss of his wife, remains united. He attributed Jane’s emotional distress at the time to the trauma of bereavement, especially as the young woman was grappling with the death of her mother, and earlier, that of her brother.

“Losing a loved one affects people differently,” he added. “The children were under a lot of pressure. Jane was emotional—devastated, even. But we are together now, and you can see for yourself that we are a family.”

He also issued a plea to the public and media, urging restraint and compassion when dealing with sensitive family matters, particularly those rooted in loss. “Let the dead rest. I’ve already lost my wife—don’t drag her memory through political mud,” he said. “Even in politics, there should be boundaries. Families should be off-limits.”

The Governor also emphasized his continued commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom, brushing off the distractions and drama as unfortunate side effects of political life. “My focus hasn’t changed. I remain dedicated to delivering on my promises to this state. That’s what I was elected to do, and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

While the video has stirred significant conversation online, there are growing calls for empathy and discretion. Many citizens have expressed concern over the emotional and psychological wellbeing of Jane and her child, especially considering the video’s personal nature and the grief it stems from.

Others have pointed fingers at unnamed political players, accusing them of capitalizing on a family tragedy for personal or partisan gain. The Governor’s composed response and the public appearance of his daughter beside him appeared aimed at quelling speculation and reasserting stability within the First Family.

Amid all the noise and conjecture, one truth remains evident: the scars left by personal loss can be deep, and when compounded by public scrutiny, they can manifest in ways that are difficult to interpret. As the state moves forward, many hope that politics can take a back seat, at least where private grief is concerned.

Governor Eno concluded his remarks with a blend of solemnity and resolve. “To those sharing the video and pushing these narratives—if this is what you wish on others, I wish you luck. But for me, I’ll continue serving with integrity and with the memory of my wife in my heart.”

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