Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has eulogized and paid his last respects to his late uncle, Barrister Patrick Eno Abak, who passed away 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 his late uncle mentored them through sound counsel and exemplary conduct, noting that this spurred many of them to aspire for greatness.
Governor Eno said that though they were pained by the loss, they were nonetheless comforted by his good legacies, which will remain indelible and a source of inspiration to the younger generation.
The funeral mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Langbasa, Lagos, where Rev. Fr. Andrew Gabriel Abhulime admonished Christians to be focused on life after death rather than on acquiring earthly possessions.
Preaching on the theme “What Would You Be Remembered For?” Fr. Andrew urged the congregation not to mourn but to rejoice, noting that death, for the late Barrister Abak who served in the vineyard of the Lord, was not an end but the beginning of glorious living with the saints.
The eldest son of the deceased, Joseph Eno Abak, eulogized 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 Abak 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 served meritoriously in many police formations in Lagos.
In 1976, his long-held ambition of becoming a lawyer was realized 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 established his own practice in 1993.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Caroline Abak, children, and grandchildren.
Governor Eno was accompanied by the 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.
