…Assures Victims of Government Support as Abak Court Begins Hearing in Assault Case
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called on survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to break their silence and speak out, assuring them of government’s commitment to justice and protection.
Lady Obareki made the call shortly after attending proceedings at High Court I in Abak Local Government Area, where one Hope Henry Ekong was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on attempted murder, intent to cause grievous harm and threat to kill one Miss Rachael Samuel Ndop.
At the maiden hearing of the case, Lady Obareki, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas, alongside other female stakeholders, expressed confidence that justice would prevail as the matter progresses.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, the First Lady’s Coordinator urged women facing abuse not to suffer in silence, stressing that the present administration stands firmly with victims of violence.
“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 noted that the state government has established support mechanisms to assist survivors, including dedicated helplines and intervention platforms such as the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), where she serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, as well as the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee which she heads.
According to her, the structures were designed to provide timely support, protection and justice for victims, adding that growing attention being given to abuse cases reflects a stronger institutional resolve to combat violence against women.
Lady Obareki described the presence of top government officials and women stakeholders at the court as a strong message of solidarity with survivors and a demonstration that cases involving abuse are no longer treated with indifference.
“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.
She also commended Governor Umo Eno for creating what she described as a safe and enabling environment that empowers women to report abuse and seek justice without fear.
“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,” she added.
In a related development, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, while addressing a large crowd of women who gathered at the Abak Local Government Council Secretariat with placards in protest against gender-based violence, reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for all forms of abuse.
She urged women in abusive relationships to remove themselves from danger where possible and report incidents of violence to appropriate authorities, stressing that silence often emboldens perpetrators.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas, condemned all forms of violence against women and assured victims that the ministry remains open and accessible to receive and act on complaints.
Meanwhile, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all three charges brought against him. The court subsequently ordered that he be remanded in custody pending trial.
The matter was adjourned to May 20, 2026, for further hearing.
The court proceedings and solidarity rally have further amplified the Akwa Ibom State Government’s stance against Gender-Based Violence, reinforcing calls for survivors to speak out and seek justice.
