Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has eulogized and paid his last respect to his late uncle, Barrister Patrick Eno Abak who died at the age of 75.
Governor Eno in a tribute, described the late Barrister Abak as a fine officer, an unassuming gentleman and a disciplinarian who served his nation diligently and lived a life worthy of emulation.
He recalled how the late uncle mentored them through sound counsel and exemplary conduct. This he said spurred many of them to aspire for greatness.
Governor Eno said though they were pained by the loss, they were nonetheless comforted by his good legacies which will remain indelible and a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
The funeral mass was held at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Langbasa, Lagos where Rev. Fr Andrew Gabriel Abhulime admonished Christians to be focussed on life after death rather than acquiring earthly possessions.
Preaching on the theme, ” What would you be remembered for?” Fr. Andrew urged the congregation not to mourn but rejoice, because death for the late Barr Abak, who served in the vineyard of the Lord, was not an end, but the beginning of glorious living with the saints.
Eldest Son of the deceased, Joseph Eno Abak eulogised
his late father, describing him as his greatest teacher who was compassionate, kind, cheerful and humble.
He thanked sympathizers who paid personal visits and sent various messages of commiseration to the family.
The late Barrister was a Police Officer who enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in 1968 as a Cadet Inspector and emerged as the best all round Cadet Officer of the 1969 graduating Class. He later worked meritorious in many Police formations in Lagos.
In 1976, his secret ambition of being a lawyer was realised when he gained admission into the prestigious University of Lagos to study Law. He graduated and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980.
He soon retired from the Nigeria Police and went into full time legal practice. After stints at the Chambers of Kanmi Ishola Osobu and A. C. Tagbo, he set up his own practice in 1993.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Caroline, children and grandchildren.
Governor Eno was accompanied by Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, members of the State Executive Council, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong and Engr. Uwem Ukoko.
