Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has clarified the appointment of his eldest daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady. According to Governor Eno, the decision was motivated by the need to sustain the impactful programs initiated by the late First Lady, Her Excellency Pastor Patience Eno, following her untimely passing.
Governor Eno emphasized that the role of the First Lady is not an appointed one, and given Mrs. Obareki’s close working relationship with her late mother, it was natural for her to step into the role of overseeing the office’s programs. He stressed that this decision was not politically motivated but was made to ensure the continuation of the First Lady’s initiatives, especially the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
“First Ladies are not appointed—they come with the Governor. Mrs. Obareki worked closely with her mother from the beginning, and it’s only fitting that she continues to oversee these important programs,” Eno stated, reiterating his commitment to the continuation of the late First Lady’s projects.
Governor Eno expressed his hope that Mrs. Obareki would receive the public’s support as she takes on this important responsibility.
