UYO, Nigeria – Jane Edidiong Ufot, daughter of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, has publicly accused her father of having “sacrificed” her late mother and alleged threats to her own life and that of her daughter.
The allegations were made in a video that surfaced on social media, where Mrs Ufot voiced emotional distress over her mother’s death and issued grave claims against the governor.
“I’m not a sacrifice, mummy was, but I’m not,” she declared in the video, which has since drawn wide public attention.
Ufot’s mother, Patience Umo Eno, died in September 2024 following an undisclosed illness.
During the video, Mrs Ufot appeared to hand her phone to her young daughter during what was described as a video call with the governor.
The child, seemingly prompted, asked, “So, Grandpa, do you want them to kill us? Do you want them to die like my baby brother died?”
No audible response was recorded from Governor Eno during the exchange.
The video concluded with Ufot warning that if anything happened to her or her daughter, it would be because “God is exposing the truth,” and added, “my blood will not go scot-free.”
She also alleged that her life was in danger due to unnamed “revelations” yet to be made public.
Governor Eno: “My Family Is Intact”
Responding to the video, Governor Eno dismissed the allegations while speaking to reporters at the 60th birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere in Uyo on Saturday.
“We are in political times, and so you can expect more of that,” the governor said. He described the video as an incident from the past, resurfacing at a politically sensitive moment.
“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?” he asked.
He insisted that his family remains united and intact.
“That’s Jane herself there,” he said, pointing out her presence at the event.
“We are a good family. The pressure on the kids when they lose a loved one can be traumatic, and we must know that.”
Governor Eno also appealed for restraint in circulating the video and called for respect for the memory of his late wife.
“Allow my wife’s peaceful soul to rest in peace. I can’t be distracted. I remain focused,” he said.
Allegations Unverified, No Official Statement from Daughter
As of press time, there has been no formal clarification from Mrs Ufot or her representatives regarding the content and timing of the video.
It remains unclear whether the child’s comments referenced a prior conversation or were scripted for the video.
Repeated efforts to reach the governor’s spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, for further comment were unsuccessful, as his line was switched off.
The video has triggered widespread reactions across social media, with some calling for an independent investigation, while others caution against politicising personal family matters.
Governor Eno reiterated his commitment to governance and the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, his administration’s development blueprint.
“I do not wish what happened to me to happen to anyone else,” he said.
“Even in politics, the family should be off-limits.”
