Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has expressed that the outpouring of affection from individuals and groups has made his late wife, Patience, more significant in death than she was in life.

Governor Eno made the statement during a condolence visit by the College of Permanent Secretaries, led by the Dean, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan, at his family home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

The governor acknowledged the immense tributes and love shown to his late wife, noting that her memory has grown even larger in death due to the outpouring support. He thanked the Permanent Secretaries for their heartfelt condolences and solidarity during this difficult time.

He said: ?On behalf of my family, I want to thank you the Permanent Secretaries for this visit. Honestly the outpour of this love we received has become a tonic to keep us. My wife has become larger in death than when she was alive. We thank you.

He appreciated the college for their dedication to duty, describing them as the engine of governance without which administration will halt and particularly appreciated them for bringing their wealth of experience to bear in the state administration.

The governor noted that twenty two Permanent Secretaries have been appointed and assured of more appointments before the end of the first quarter of next year to fill the existing vacancies in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and congratulated the college for producing a Judge in Equity.

He announced a car gift to the Permanent Secretaries, assuring that they will take delivery of the cars before the Christmas holiday and solicited their support in-service delivery and during the home going ceremonies in honour of his late wife culminating to the interment on the 29th of November.

?We are eternally grateful to you for your support at work. In one year we had twenty two Permanent Secretaries and we need more. I?m sure probably before the end of first quarter of next year, we are going to appoint some more to fill existing vacancies in the ministries. One of you has become a Judge in Equity so the college has produced a Judge.

?I?m sure very soon all of you will have brand new cars .The SSG has concluded on that . If you don?t get your cars before Christmas holiday hold the Accountant General responsible.

?We want to thank you seriously for the work you?re doing. Without you the engine of government will stop. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for bringing your wealth of experience to bear.

?We are the temporal people and you?re the permanent people: we will come and go, you will remain so it?s that experience that we rely on for guidance. I want to thank you. We trust that you will stand by us until we finally interred her on the 29th. Thank you so much and may God bless you,? he stated.

Earlier, Mrs Stella Etukakpan intimated the Governor that the news of the demise of the State?s First Lady was devastating to the College, hence their visit to identify with the first family in the trying moment.

He recalled that the deceased loved the Permanent Secretaries as depicted in her dealings with the College especially the women which she showed deep concern towards their welfare and prayed God to grant the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

On his part, the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, said that the State?s administrative team came to console the first family having been deeply touched by the sad demise of the Governor?s wife .

Elder Essien assured the Governor that as the redeemer liveth, his dear wife lives on and read from 2Corinthians 1:2-4 using it as a prayer point for the Governor and the first family. (The Nation)

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