The First Lady and the Rebels
By Osondu Ahirika
I start this piece by admitting the title is not original. It is borrowed from a bestseller, A Novel on Mary Todd Lincoln written by Susan Higginbotham.
I’m sorry, I have no urge to give a synopsis of this story of the former American First Lady. I’m however making the referring because of what I perceive as a veiled conspiracy against Her Excellency, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki.
Our people say until the tree falls, the axe cannot rest. This explains my reverent fixation on the transition around the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State.
Yesterday, October 6, I wrote an open letter to the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki. Following her anointment and presentation to the wife of the President by her father, Governor Umo Eno.
While many endorsed the piece, not a few rebelled against it. Their grouse? That I’m wrong to accord her the honorific title of First Lady or Her Excellency. I think the problem commenced from how her elevation was announced. Not as breaking news. It was subordinated to the news of the condolence visit by the President’s wife. By merit, strategic importance, and history, that was a big headline. It should have been the biggest story of the day. But, we bungled it, perhaps still overwhelmed by the confusing shock of the death of Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. But the hangover has gone. With clear eyes, we can now put records straight.
Appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki has subsumed the role. We cannot tiptoe around her job description and therefore undermine her Office.
Let me explain that we are not dragging for anything here. The Office of the First Lady is not a creation of the Constitution. It is not an executive office even in the United States of America from where we copied it. It is not a conjugal role, conferred only by marriage. No law says only a substantive wife can bear the title. Truth is, it’s a creation of public administration. Despite being extra-constitutional in the USA, it is a fully staffed entity with: -a Press Secretary, -a Chief of Staff, -a retinue of aides, a complement of official cars and protocol. The office is also well funded with expanded socio-political roles. The status of First Lady is conferred based on family ties. Whoever occupies the office must be accorded the recognition. So we have First Family, tailored after the model of the British Royal Family: King, Queen, or Queen Consort. Prince or Princess. Duke and Duchess. All tied to the monarchy by bloodline or marriage. All of them are titled.
Come to think of it, what makes it abnormal to address Governor Umo Eno’s daughter as Her Excellency? Thankfully we have the assertive example of Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, The Iyaloja-General of Lagos Market women. She has since updated her Twitter bio. With the title, ‘First Daughter of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN). Soon after her father, President Bola Tinubu assumed office on Monday, May 29, 2023. Go to Court if you disagree with her.
We even had a former Governor of Adamawa State with four wives. Each of them was officially addressed as First Lady. Their official cars carried a common number plate that reads: ADGMH1.
The four First Ladies were: Justice Binta Nyako (in charge of Abuja Affairs), Halima Nyako PhD (in charge of the Health Sector), Hajia Zainab Nyako PhD (in charge of Political Affairs and Mobilisation), Hajia Asmau Nana Nyako PhD (in charge of the Domestic Affairs). They all had respective letterhead papers representing their offices. There was initial public outcry and criticism. Heaven did not fall. People of Adamawa and Nigerians at large got used to it. He governed successfully with his harem from 2007-2014.
How about Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who governed Abia State for 8 years. His wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Ifeoma Ada Kalu(peace on her ashes) was First Lady. While his mum, Chief Eunice Uzor Kalu was addressed by the title, “Mother Excellency.” She (Eunice), was a strong force in Abia politics.
So what’s the hullabaloo about Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki adorning the toga of Akwa Ibom First Lady or Her Excellency Effectively stepping into her mother’s shoes. How on earth does that diminish anybody? Less I forget. While some are whining about her designation, Governor Umo Eno introduced her to the Governors when they came to visit on Monday, October 7.
Like my friend, Atuekong Paul is won’t to say, ‘Asuk aka ò! Akā ntrò!
Here’s my strong advocacy. Her Office must be strengthened and not belittled. The Director of Protocol and the State Orator who is the compere at official events should set a precedent in her introduction. And keep records straight.
So that In State events, she attends with other First Ladies, Having been presented and admitted to that exclusive fold, there should be no hesitation to accord the Coordinator of The Office of the First Lady the appropriate recognition in the order of State protocol.
The few rebels who are paranoid because another star is born will eventually align.
I so move.