Rita Odafe
Governor Umo Eno from Akwa Ibom State has commented on a revived video featuring his daughter, Jane Eddidiong Ufot. In this clip, she expressed serious accusations against him following the death of her mother, the former First Lady Patience Umo, who passed away on September 26, 2024.
Recently, a video of Jane making these claims circulated widely on social media. She alleged that the governor intended to use her as a sacrifice.
In the video, Jane warned that the governor should bear responsibility if anything were to happen to her, as she wished to avoid a fate similar to her mother’s. She stated her resolve not to be a sacrifice like her mother and brother, who both died under questionable circumstances.
In the initial recording, Jane remarked: “I am Jane Eddidiong Ufot, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Health, Safety, and Environment. Dad, I’m sending this message to you exclusively. We need to talk before this ruins everything. I am not a sacrifice. Mom was—I will not be. I expect a response from you soon. If I don’t hear from you, I will share this widely.”
In a subsequent video, she is shown conversing with her daughter, prompting the child to repeat: “Tell Grandpa, ‘Do you want us to be harmed? Do you want us to experience what happened to my baby brother? If I perish today, or if something happens to my daughter—Agimini—if it’s for the truth, so be it. But my blood will not be forgotten. Please share this message—I care about my safety.’”
During a press briefing on Saturday, May 31, Gov. Eno acknowledged that the video was recorded last year, shortly after his wife’s death, and deemed its recent circulation as a tactic employed by political opponents.
“We find ourselves in a competitive political environment, so such occurrences are to be anticipated. My family remains strong, as evidenced by our presence together. This video dates back to shortly after my wife’s passing. Why is it coming back now, coinciding with our second anniversary and celebrations? This merely highlights the existence of adversaries.”
Jane is here with her spouse. Our family is united. The children are under immense stress; losing someone dear is overwhelmingly sad, particularly for them. I kindly ask the public to stop revisiting painful memories. I have already lost my wife. May her soul rest in peace.
My focus remains on serving the people of Akwa Ibom diligently. I wouldn’t wish my experiences on anyone. If those sharing this video desire the same for themselves, I wish them well. However, I firmly believe that families should remain untouched by political disputes. I assure you, my family is united—we are doing well.”
Watch the video of him addressing the situation below…
