Akwa Ibom
First Lady Designate Reads Riot Act To Perpetrators Of Gender Based Violence In Akwa Ibom
First Lady Designate Reads Riot Act To Perpetrators Of Gender Based Violence In Akwa Ibom
Following the recent incidents of Gender – Based Violence and other heinous crimes in Akwa Ibom State, the Coordinator, office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has warned that it will no longer be business as usual for perpetrators as she will intensify her efforts in ensuring that they are brought to book.
The First Lady Designate, who is the Chairperson, Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Management Committee, AksGBVMC, sounded the warning on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, while addressing a press conference in her office at Government House, Uyo.
Lady Helen Obareki condemned all acts of sexual assault, domestic violence and Gender Based Violence, saying that they are not only a violation of human rights, but also a taint on the society’s reputation.
“We have called this press conference to address the recent and deeply troubling incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and Gender Based Violence in our state. These acts are not only a violation of human rights but also a stain on our collective conscience as a society,” she said.
The Coordinator highlighted strides recorded by AksGBVMC in recent times to include; rescue of three human trafficking survivors, arrest of six persons for defiling a 14 year old boy, initiation of legal proceedings against perpetrators, establishment of reporting mechanism, among other efforts.
Lady Helen Obareki further called on the public to report cases of sexual abuse, domestic and gender based violence as well as urged victims to endeavor to speak out immediately.
In her words; “while we acknowledge the progress made, we recognise that there is still much work to be done. We remain committed to ensuring justice for survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and creating a safer environment for all. Let us break the culture of silence together. let us stand united against GBV.”
Also responding to questions raised during the press conference, the Secretary of the State GBV Management Committee, Barr. Emem Etteh clarified that the age of criminal liability in Nigeria is set at seven years and any child accused of GBV crimes who falls within this age range will be placed in a rehabilitation facility.

First Lady
She also mentioned that the committee has handled over 1,410 GBV cases, primarily involving intimate partner abuse, actively engaged with Traditional Rural Councils, stakeholders, and communities, including markets, schools, and public spaces, to conduct sensitisation campaigns targeted at breaking the silence surrounding GBV, reduce societal stigma and encourage individuals to speak out while bylaws have been adopted to address the increasing cases of GBV in rural areas, where customary punishment is often favoured.
Present at the press conference were notable representatives, including the Chairpersons of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Helen Umana, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Nsikak Okon, the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr. Uduak Usanga along with other members of the State GBV Management Committee.
Akwa Ibom
Akpabio Congratulates Super Eagles On Bronze Victory: AFCON 2025
Akpabio Congratulates Super Eagles On Bronze Victory: AFCON 2025
Akpabio congratulates Super Eagles on bronze victory: AFCON 2025. Mr Akpabio stated that the match against the Pharaoh’s of Egypt was a testament to the team’s skills and determination.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles for securing a third-place victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Mr Akpabio commended the Eagles on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
He said, “On behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Super Eagles on their outstanding achievement in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.’’
He stated that the match against the Pharaoh’s of Egypt was a testament to the team’s skills and determination, commending the players for their exceptional performances.

Akpabio Congratulates Super Eagles On Bronze Victory
“Your victory is a reflection of the talent and resilience that Nigeria is known for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage. I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours.
“Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success. Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement.
May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination.’’
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Tasks Journalists On Ethical, Responsible Journalism
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Tasks Journalists On Ethical, Responsible Journalism
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno tasks journalists on ethical, responsible journalism…Reaffirms Commitment to People-Centred Development
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on journalists in the state to remain steadfast in the practice of factual, ethical and responsible journalism, describing the media as a critical partner in the promotion of good governance and societal development.
The Governor made the call on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Qua Iboe Church, Abak Itenghe in Abak local government, during the New Year Thanksgiving Service of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Governor Eno commended the NUJ for its invaluable contributions in promoting good governance, and urged the union to sustain its commitment to professionalism and nation-building.
While emphasizing the importance of press freedom in a democratic society, he cautioned that such freedom should not be misconstrued as a licence for defamation, slander or the spread of unverified information.
He charged the Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, to continue guiding members on the dos and don’ts of the journalism profession, particularly in the age of social media. The Governor cautioned those who misuse social media as a tool for defamation to always acquaint themselves with relevant cybercrime laws and strive to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism.
Further highlighting key development projects in Abak, he said the administration has over 20 projects including 43 KM of roads , Model Primary School, Ongoing Model Health Centre, Water Projects. Arise Compassionate Homes among others, noting that such projects underscore his administration’s commitment to initiatives that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of the people.
Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, explained that the essence of the thanksgiving service was to appreciate God’s benevolence upon the lives of journalists in the state and to seek His presence, protection and direction in the year ahead.
Delivering the homily, the General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference, Rev. Ekpedeme Effanga, described the decision of the NUJ to hold its thanksgiving service in the church as a clear demonstration that the union recognizes God as its anchor.
Preaching from Proverbs 3:5 on the theme “Anchored in God, Advancing with Vision,” the cleric urged journalists to trust God completely in the year 2026, assuring them of His faithfulness even in the midst of life’s storms.

Umo Eno
Rev. Effanga further charged journalists to align their personal visions and professional conduct with the overall goals and objectives of the NUJ, warning against actions capable of undermining the unity and integrity of the union. He reminded members that the gathering was primarily to celebrate God’s mercies and faithfulness.
In attendance at the thanksgiving service included the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Clement Jimbo; former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uwem Udoma; former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN; Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Mrs. Ime Charles Effiong, members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, Provost of Samuel Bill Theological Seminary, Rev. Ifiok Otu, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) past leaders and members of the NUJ.
Akwa Ibom
ADC To Umo Eno: Resign Now If You Can’t Stand Citizens’ Engagement
ADC To Umo Eno: Resign Now If You Can’t Stand Citizens’ Engagement
ADC to Umo Eno: Resign now if you can’t Stand Citizens’ engagement. Wants criminal charges against Eket Female Activist, Princess Udoito dropped.
African Democratic Congress, ADC in Akwa Ibom State has called on Pastor Umo Eno, executive governor of Akwa Ibom State to Resign and retire back to his hospitality business if he cannot stand the heat of being governor of Akwa Ibom State willing to answer all citizens enquiries irrespective of how such enquiries are packaged.
Senator John Udoedehe, Chairman of ADC Strategic leadership Committee in Akwa Ibom State, made the call at the weekend while reacting to the arrest, detention and subsequent prosecution of Lady Princess Godsown Udoito, the Eket activist who became popular after deploying her social media handles to engage the governor over what is largely considered as an improper allocation of Eket ancestral land known as Akoiyak Ekid by the governor to business fronts reportedly linked him without due process of law and community engagement and thus triggering the resentment.
Akpanudoedehe, a former FCT Minister, two time governorship candidate and renowned opposition leader in Akwa Ibom State said the arrest of Lady Udoito, sets a negative precedent in citizens engagement raising concern that members of the public cannot become criminals merely dor asking for their rights. Udoedehe said the arrest of Udoito, herself, a member of African Democratic Congress and grassroots mobiliser is provocative and capable of inciting civil unrest as that is clearly a discreet attempt by the government to clamp down on opposition element in the State and free speech.
While accusing the governor of negative revisionism since assuming office two years ago told CitizensWatch NG that Pastor Umo Eno cannot come home with ant infested firewoood and still expect lizards not to come home to feast in his ban.
Akpanudoedehe faulted the Governor’s handling of the matter especially in the light of the reported involvement of Okuibom Ibibio and National Security Adviser who are said to have waded into the crises and brokered a truce which was to enable parties sheath their sword and possibly remedy the situation.
Akpanudoedehe told CitizensWatch correspondent that:
“Akwa Ibom State is a democratic State and for once, His Excellency needed to show respect to his people and the authority and Office of Okuibom Ibibio, the President General of Akwa Ibom Traditional Ruling Council and listen to his royal Counsel. For goodness sake, he is a governor in a democracy and not a despot or a King whose decisions cannot be interrogated by the citizens.
“In those days, you cannot query a King or speak evil about a King. The King will dispatch his army to silence you. Recently we saw something like that in one of the South South States and you can see how the public rose to condemn that dastardly act and the Kingdom had to even rise to disown and denounce the babaric act of stripping a citizen because he reportedly spoke evil of the King.
Why did they have to do that? It is because that era is gone and deployment of power must align with civilisation, citizens right to know and their right to complain when they feel they are not fairly treated!
“Since we now run a democracy, those in power must understand that citizens retain the right to confront their government and seek explaination over whatever is dear to and concerns them.
“That is the basis upon which the governor cannot criminalise Princess God’sown Udoito in advocating her right and the right of her people to their ancestral land now their inheritance.
Without prejudice to whatever claim that others have to the land in question (because I’m not from Eket and I dont know…)the governor cannot rise to arrest a citizen who is expressing his or her frustration with the way he (the governor) has deployed his powers to deny them their ancestral land.
“Thank God that Eket People have an active organisation called Eket People Union. Insread of deploying force and brasenly wielding his powers against a hapless citizen and threatening the people, the governor should dialogue with the union and other agitators and find a middle ground which could include compensation, relocation or other forms of appeasement that will assuage various interest protesting against him now.
I hate to see the governor acting like a lion in Akwa Ibom State and dishing threats to citizens who confront his abuse of power but timidly shying away from confronting the Federal government of Nigeria over key infrastructural development and rights if Akwa ibom State in Abuja. Why is the governor very audacious while talking to Akwa Ibomites but very silent on matter of leadership and strength at the national scene?
“I am the leader of opposition in Akwa Ibom state and for strategic reasons, we have kept quiet over how the governor is running the State just so that no one would say we distracted him when the time to show how his ARISE AGENDA has reduced poverty, hunger and unemployment in the State comes. It is obvious we need to speak up against the dictatorial tendencies now being brazenly displayed by the governor before things get out of hand.
“Our call therefore is that the governor starts getting serious with his social contract with Akwa Ibom people by developing our lands and her people in ways that is seen to be maximally proportional to the huge allocations he has recieved so far; or resign and quit if he cannot stand the heat in the kitchen of politics and governance where citizens enquiries cannot be criminalised like in the case of Princess Udoito.

Umo Eno
“We demand that the governor withdraws all charges against Princess Udoito, ensure her unconditional release from custody and where he feels defamed or jeopardised by her form of prayers, he can institute a suit against her with his personal funds after he quits as governor of Akwa Ibom State and without immunity.
For emphasis, the governor must answer all citizens enquiries regarding the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve and no citizen, no matter how small we may deem him or her, should be clamped down by state institutions for asking questions irrespective of the tone it is delivered.
“We demand dialogue with the stakeholders as opposed to the arrests and threats of arresting leaders involve in the campaigns for due process in the handling of the agitation.
This is in line with the need for government to deal with citizens in a way that recognises them as major stakeholders in the politics of the State.”
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