……As Assault Case Opens In Court
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, has reiterated the state government’s firm stance against Gender-Based Violence in the state, calling for justice and due process as the trial of an alleged assault case commenced.
Addressing the women at the Abak Local Government Council Secretariat, after attending a court session alongside women stakeholders, today, the Deputy Governor expressed deep concern over the incident, which involved a young woman, Miss Rachael Samuel, who narrowly escaped death, following an alleged attack by Mr. Hope Ekong, a man described as dangerous and threatening.
“A few weeks ago, our daughter was almost killed by a man who claimed to be all-powerful, but God spared her life through the intervention of the Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Hon. Uyo Ukpanah and his wife. Today, that life has been rescued, though she is yet to fully recover.”
Eyakenyi explained that the presence of women leaders and stakeholders at the courtroom was a demonstration of solidarity and a collective demand for justice.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that the administration of Governor Umo Eno maintains zero-tolerance policy on all forms of Gender-Based Violence, including physical and sexual abuses.
She noted that the state’s Gender-Based Violence Management Committee has been empowered to operate round the clock, respond swiftly to reported cases and collaborate with security agencies.
She also commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, describing him as a strong advocate for women’s rights and protection, adding, “On behalf of the women of Akwa Ibom State, we appreciate the Governor for his respect for women and his commitment to ensuring their protection and rightful place in the society.”
“His administration has shown that women are valued as daughters, sisters and contributors to the development of the state.”
Eyakenyi stressed that the women were not
fighting, rather, “our concern, our appeal to the law through the court is that, let the due process be taken, let all evidences that we have be tested, where one is guilty, let the law take its course,” she maintained.
“No matter the level of provocation, a man should never resort to violence against a woman.”
She further acknowledged the efforts of the Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, led by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, as well as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, praising their dedication and quick response to GBV cases in the state.
Advising the women, the Deputy Governor encouraged them to avoid confrontational situations where possible and always seek help from appropriate authorities when necessary, stressing, “Women should strive to be peacemakers and agents of unity in their homes and communities and where situations escalate beyond control, they should report to security operatives for intervention,” she said.
She also called on law enforcement agencies to treat cases involving women with seriousness and professionalism.
Eyakenyi reiterated that the overarching vision of the current administration is to promote unity, justice, and peace across Akwa Ibom State.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, stated that the women’s demonstration was prompted by a recent incident involving a violent act allegedly perpetrated by Mr. Hope Ekong against Miss Rachael Samuel Nkop, an indigene of Ukanafun Local Government Area, who resides in Abak for business purposes.
She noted that the incident, which gained attention on social media, showed the victim reportedly bitten and severely wounded by her landlord’s son, pointing out that the demonstration was organized to coincide with the first hearing of the case in court, hence the call for women to come out in solidarity.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom state Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, as well as the Executive Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Hon. Uyo Ukpanah and his wife, for their roles in ensuring the safety and support for Miss Nkop.
She also commended the women who turned out en masse for the peaceful demonstration.
Also speaking, the State Women Leader of APC, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, expressed appreciation to female stakeholders across the state for rallying in support of women in Annang land, noting that their presence demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting and uplifting women.
She stated that the stakeholders had shown that they are true servant leaders who are ready to stand up for women at all times, as evidenced by their decision to personally attend the court proceedings.
The women leader urged women to draw lessons from the incident, emphasizing the need for them to rise, speak out, and take a stand against all forms of abuses and injustice meted on them.
Uko further commended Governor Umo Eno for his administration’s “ARISE Agenda,” which, according to her, has encouraged women to rise and say No to Gender-Based Violence in Akwa Ibom state.
While assuring the Governor of the women’s continued support to his administration, the APC women leader maintained, “come 2027 elections, Akwa Ibom women will turn out en masse to vote and remain resolute in protecting their votes,”
In her remarks, the Chairman of Abak Local Government Council, Mrs Ime Charles, thanked the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Etukudo and other women stakeholders for their show of love and support in ensuring that justice is done in the case.
The event featured the women in their peaceful but well-coordinated demonstration against Gender-Based Violence in the state, even as they staged a road walk from Abak Local Government Council Secretariat through major roads in the area.
Information Unit
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare
29/04/2026
