Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has responded to a viral video involving his family, dismissing it as a politically motivated distraction. The governor addressed the trending social media footage, which he stated was recorded shortly after the death of his wife last year, and emphasized that it would not divert him from his responsibilities to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The video in question features a woman identified as Jane, who claims to be the governor’s daughter. In the footage, Jane is reportedly seen in a video call instructing her own young daughter to convey a message to Governor Eno, her grandfather, expressing fear that she (Jane's daughter) would not allow herself to be sacrificed as her mother (Jane) allegedly was. Governor Eno confirmed the woman in the video is indeed his daughter, Jane.

Governor Eno questioned the timing of the video’s resurfacing, particularly as it coincided with the celebration of his midterm achievements and his second anniversary in office. He spoke about this during the birthday celebration of a former deputy governor of the state, Obong Nsima Ekere, in Uyo. "We are in political times, so you expect things like this to emerge," Eno stated, adding, "The event you are talking about took place immediately my wife died last year. So, why is it surfacing now on the eve of our second anniversary when we are celebrating the milestone we have achieved? That teaches me that there are detractors around."

Despite the controversy, Governor Eno maintained that his family remains united. "My family is intact, you can see everyone. That’s Jane herself, my daughter, you see there. We have a good family," he asserted. He acknowledged the potential for trauma in children who lose a parent, stating, "Children can be traumatised when they lose a parent, and that pressure can manifest in different ways. The pressure on the kids when they lose a loved one, could be traumatic and we must know that."

The governor made a heartfelt appeal to the public, requesting them not to resurrect painful memories. "It is painful enough that I lost my wife. I pray that her soul rests in peace, and I hope people will respect that," he said. He reiterated his call to keep families out of political battles, emphasizing that families should be off-limits in political discourse. "People throwing this thing around, if that is what they wish for themselves, I wish them good luck. My family is intact. Even in politics the family should be off limit," the governor added.

Governor Eno firmly stated that he would not be distracted by such attempts and remains focused on his mission to move Akwa Ibom State forward. "But I will not be distracted. I remain focused on my duties. I will continue to serve Akwa Ibom people. I don’t wish what happened to me to happen to anyone else," he concluded. He also used the occasion of Obong Ekere's birthday to congratulate him and commend his contributions to the state and country.