Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has refuted claims suggesting that his first daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, was appointed as the First Lady of the state.
He clarified that his daughter was appointed as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, a point he made clear to Senator Oluremi Tinubu during her condolence visit.
Recall that Gov Eno on October 5 appointed his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, as the acting First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.
He said, “It is not an easy task ahead. But to maintain the Office of the First Lady and carry forward my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to continue the duties of the office.”
However, speaking at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, on Sunday, the governor explained that his decision was a natural outcome, not one motivated by political considerations.
READ MORE:Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Names Daughter as Acting First Lady
He maintained that first ladies are not appointed. However, following the passing of his wife, it was appropriate and comforting for his daughter who had been her mother’s closest assistant to oversee and implement the programs of the late wife’s office.
Eno stated,”Appointing our daughter, who had worked closely with her late mother, as the coordinator is not an appointment as First Lady. You don’t appoint a First Lady.
“The Office of the First Lady has responsibilities to the women of this state, and my wife had programs she was running the GIFA, the support for the elderly, and other programs.”
He added that these activities could only be sustained with Mrs. Obareki as coordinator due to her experience, exposure, education, and access.
Governor Eno further explained that, by the appointment, his daughter would be addressed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, stating that this decision was one way to bring healing to the family and comfort to himself.
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