The Coordinator of the ffice of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called on women in the state to break the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence, assuring them of government's support in the pursuit of justice.
Lady Obareki made the call on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, while talking to newsmen, shortly after attending proceedings at High Court 1 in Abak Local Government Area, where one Mr EKONG, Hope Henry, has been arraigned and is standing trial on a 3 count charge of attempt to kill, intent to cause grievous harm, and threat to kill one Miss Rachael Samuel Ndop.
The Coordinator, who was in court for the first hearing of the case, with the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas and other female stakeholders, expressed optimism that justice would be served as the case progresses.
“I want to encourage women that they shouldn’t keep silent. This government is in solidarity with women against Gender-Based Violence. When you see something, say something. Break the silence,” she said.
She emphasised that the state government has created supportive structures for victims of abuse, including helplines and intervention platforms such as the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which she superintendents over as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee, headed by her.
According to her, these channels are designed to ensure that victims receive timely assistance and protection, as increasing attention is being given to cases of violence against women, noting that it reflects a growing commitment to justice and accountability. She added that the presence of government officials and stakeholders at the court underscores the state’s solidarity with victims.
“We are thankful that we can see a day where cases against women are taken seriously. The whole state is in solidarity, and we hope that at the end of the case, the verdict will be in favour of the abused woman,” she stated.
The Coordinator also expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for fostering an enabling environment that empowers women to speak up against abuse without fear.
In her words; "we thank the Governor for giving us a safe environment to express our concerns and report abuse. It has given us the confidence to stand here today and support this cause."
Addressing a large gathering of women at the Abak Local Government Council Secretariat, who turned out with placards in solidarity against Gender-Based Violence, the state Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, emphasized that the state government strongly condemns all forms of Gender-Based Violence.
She urged women across the state to remove themselves from abusive situations where possible, and to promptly report any incidents of violence to the appropriate authorities when leaving is not an immediate option.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, condemned all forms of violence and encouraged women to report such cases as the doors of her ministry is always open.
Meanwhile, the defendant has entered a plea of not guilty to all the three counts. The court has ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody pending trial.
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, May 20, 2026 for further hearing on the matter, by the court.
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