The Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has described the demise of Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, as a monumental loss not just for Akwa Ibom State, but also to her mother state, the old Cross River.
Governor Otu stated this when he led a delegation including members of the State Executive Council, Members of the House of Assembly, and others on a condolence visit to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, over the sad occurence.
Accompanied by his wife, Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Otu, Governor Otu said, “Your Excellency, my brother, I know the pain that you are going through. We Cross Riverians share deeply in this pain.
“I believe that the Almighty God will always be with you. On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I condole and console you on the loss of your dear wife.
“It is a great loss not only to Akwa Ibom but to the entire Cross River. We want you to understand that during this moment of grief, we will walk leg to leg with you.”
Responding, Governor Umo Eno appreciated his Cross River state counterpart and his delegation which he said was a demonstration of love and brotherliness.
He said, “We welcome you warmly to your state and your home. We thank you and Her Excellency and all the team for this condolence visit.
“Sharing in our moment of grief gives us comfort and encouragement; it is this outpouring of love and support that has kept us going.
” I tell people that in mourning my wife, there will be no closure. We have been together for 40 years, and she lived an accomplished life.
“We have children and grandchildren together and we have been through thick and thin together.
“However, we take solace in the fact that we will see her again never to part. God will not let us repay you with this kind of visit and we pray that God will extend your days in Jesus name, Amen.”
