By Prosper Mene
The Akwa Ibom State Government has claimed that Mrs. Jane Edidiong Ufot, daughter of Governor Umo Eno, was manipulated by “false prophets” into releasing a viral video that sparked widespread controversy. The video, which surfaced recently, featured Ufot, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Safety, and Environment, emotionally alleging that the deaths of her mother and two brothers were unnatural and expressing fears for her own and her daughter’s safety.
In a statement issued on June 2, 2025, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, attributed Ufot’s actions to the influence of false prophets exploiting her grief following the loss of her mother, the late First Lady. “Mrs. Jane Edidiong Ufot acted under the influence of false prophets taking advantage of the trauma of losing a dear mother,” Umanah said. The government described the video as a product of emotional manipulation rather than a reflection of reality.
The viral footage, which gained traction across social media platforms, showed Ufot warning her father, Governor Eno, against allowing “evil forces” to harm her and her daughter, claiming these forces were responsible for her mother’s death. The video, reportedly recorded last year after the First Lady’s passing, was labeled by Governor Eno as a “ploy by political enemies” to discredit his administration.
Governor Eno, addressing the issue on June 1, 2025, emphasized that the release of the video was politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his image. “This is purely political,” he stated, urging the public to disregard the allegations as attempts to sow discord.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has called for calm and urged residents to focus on verified information, dismissing the claims in the video as baseless. The controversy has fuelled heated discussions on social media, with some expressing sympathy for Ufot’s emotional distress, while others debate the role of political motives in the video’s circulation.
The government has vowed to address any attempts to exploit personal tragedies for political gain, while ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved parties.
