Akwa Ibom Governor Breaks Silence on Daughter’s Viral Allegations at Public Event

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has responded for the first time to the viral video in which his daughter, Jane Edidiong Ufot, accused him of sacrificing her late mother and alleged threats to her life. Speaking to journalists at the 60th birthday celebration of a former deputy governor of the state, Governor Eno dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated attempt to distract him, especially as his administration prepares to mark its second anniversary.

In a composed but firm tone, Governor Eno said, “We are in political times, and so you expect more of that. My family is intact. You can see everyone. That’s Jane herself there. That’s my daughter. That’s the husband.”

His comment confirmed that Jane Ufot was present at the event, standing alongside the same father she had accused in a widely circulated video. In the video, posted days earlier on social media, Mrs Ufot emotionally declared, “I’m not a sacrifice, mummy was, but I’m not.” She also handed her phone to her young daughter, who, during a video call with the governor, asked him if he wanted her and her mother dead.

Reacting to the video, the governor said the incident being referenced took place shortly after the death of his wife, Patience Oluwakemi Umo Eno, in September 2024. He questioned the timing of the video’s emergence, suggesting it was a calculated move to stir controversy just before the second-year anniversary of his administration.

“The event we’re talking about happened immediately my wife passed last year. So why is it surfacing now? And why is it on the eve of our second-year anniversary, when we’re celebrating the milestone that we have achieved?” he asked.

Governor Eno called for empathy and respect for the grieving process, especially for his children. “The pressure on the kids when they lose a loved one can be traumatic. All I can appeal to the public is: please, they shouldn’t bring back sad memories. It’s enough that I’ve lost my wife, and I pray that they allow her peaceful soul to rest in peace.”

He added that he would not be distracted from his duties. “I remain focused. I’ll continue to serve Akwa Ibom people. I don’t wish what happened to me on anyone else. So people throwing this around—if that’s what they wish for themselves—I wish them luck. But we’re running. My family is intact.”

Concluding, Governor Eno called for decency even amid political tension. “Even in politics, family should be off-limits,” he said. “You see me? I’m here, and we’re good.”

As of now, Jane Ufot has made no additional public statements. The video, however, continues to generate widespread public debate and scrutiny.