By Egufe Yafugborhi & Chioma Onuegbu
Controversy arose in Akwa Ibom State when Governor Umo Eno announced his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, as the replacement for the deceased First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. Initially asking for privacy after his wife’s passing, the governor surprised many by introducing his daughter to Nigeria’s First Lady as the successor to the role.
Despite differing interpretations of the appointment, with some questioning the nomenclature used, the governor defended his decision as a necessary step to maintain the late First Lady’s legacies, particularly her pet project, Golden Initiative For All.
While some critics viewed the appointment as an unnecessary public spectacle, others supported the governor’s choice to ensure continuity in the Office of the First Lady. Regardless of the debate, Mrs. Helen Obareki is now tasked with upholding her late mother’s values and vision, with the support of prominent figures like Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the wife of the Vice President.
Amidst the public discourse surrounding the appointment, Governor Eno emphasized the natural outcome of his daughter’s engagement and urged for support rather than scrutiny. Despite the varied interpretations, Mrs. Obareki is committed to fulfilling her role as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State.