In the often turbulent waters of politics, where ambition can frequently overshadow loyalty, and allegiance is sometimes fleeting, the story of Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who comes across as calm, trustworthy, and unwaveringly committed to her Principal, offers a refreshing contrast.
Mrs. Eyakenyi’s journey as Deputy Governor is a story of political partnership and shared leadership, built over years of mutual respect, shared values, and a common purpose.
“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult,” said Malinda Gates, wife of American billionaire Bill Gates, while expressing her concerns about the evolution of authentic female leadership. But when Governor Umo Eno set out to co-opt a woman with a voice as deputy governor, the process was, by the governor’s own admission, “simple and very easy”, apparently because the goldfish in Akon Eyakenyi has no hiding place.
The Governor’s precise words: “When it was time to choose a Deputy Governor, it was very easy. I didn’t need to go far because you have to work with someone that you have known and can trust and do not have to always watch your back with. And to be honest, the Deputy Governor has not disappointed me, not one day, not one day. So if you elect me as governor ten times, she will still be my deputy. It is a reflection of years of trust and working together because two cannot walk together unless they agree. We cannot go forward as a state if you don’t agree with someone deputising for you. Most Deputy Governors would want to take their Governor out as quickly as possible, but just like the immediate past Deputy Governor, she has remained very dedicated and committed.”
Such an emphatic declaration on that beautiful Sunday afternoon, April 12, 2026, at Insight Bible Church, Uyo, by a Governor toward his Deputy is no mere commendation; it is a vote of confidence and a powerful testament to consistency, discipline, and character. It speaks to a leadership style which is quiet and steady rather than loud and hollow; demure and effective rather than flamboyant but bereft of real substance. Mrs. Eyakenyi’s approach to governance is marked by her unique peaceful mien, that calm and thoughtful presence which reassures, rather than unsettles, which builds rather than seeks to demolish an imaginary competitor.
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In many political settings, the relationship between a Governor and his Deputy can be quite tense, often driven by competing ambitions. But here in Akwa Ibom, we see a Deputy Governor who has redefined that narrative of rivalry. Instead of being consumed by the allure of power, the Deputy Governor has chosen the path of loyalty and service, demonstrating that strength in leadership does not always have to be forceful – it can be graceful and deeply rooted in the age-old wisdom of “stooping low to conquer”.
Dr Eyakenyi has proven her mettle as a worthy assistant. More so in the hitherto male-dominated terrain of political mobilisation and grassroots engagement, where a blend of endurance and organisational depth is often required to sustain a cross-country momentum. During the recently concluded Women Sensitisation on Civic Responsibilities Tour across Akwa Ibom, Senator Akon Eyakenyi stood tall, emerging not only as the face of the mobilisation but also as the driving force behind one of the most extensive women-focused civic campaigns in the history of the State.
For sixteen days, between January 26th and March 7th, she crisscrossed the 31 local government areas of the State, carrying a message of civic responsibility, political awareness and unity among women. The tour, undertaken on behalf of Governor Umo Eno, became a powerful demonstration of her political strength, loyalty to the administration, and her enduring connection with grassroots women across Akwa Ibom.
The tour was more than a routine political outreach. It evolved into a well-coordinated movement aimed at preparing women for meaningful participation in democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections. Her central message remained consistent: women must take ownership of their civic responsibilities by registering with the electoral body, obtaining their National Identity Number, and participating actively in political and economic programmes designed to empower them.
To many who witnessed the tour firsthand, she proved that leadership is not merely about occupying an office but showing up, standing firm, and carrying the people along. This way, the Deputy Governor demonstrated that she is not only a political colossus and gladiator in the arena of governance but also a mother figure in the political landscape of the State, guiding thousands of women toward civic awareness, unity and purposeful participation in building the future of Akwa Ibom State.
Her advocacy helped reinforce public awareness of the ARISE Agenda while strengthening the connection between government achievements and grassroots beneficiaries. Through her mobilisation efforts, she rallied the women to support the continued leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno. This effort culminated in a historic gesture – a political masterstroke – when women across the state formally endorsed the trio for a second term during the Grand Rally held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on March 7, 2026, with attendees including the First Lady of the Federation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The Deputy Governor’s political relevance, therefore, is not the product of self-promoting jingoism but genuine impact. It is rooted in her ability to seamlessly complement the governor, to provide support without overshadowing, and to step forward when needed without overreaching herself. Call her a stabilising force within Governor Umo Eno’s administration – and you won’t be wrong! A bridge between policy and the people; between leadership and existential realities!!
The Governor’s striking remark, that “if you elect me ten times, she would still be my deputy”, therefore underscores a bond transcending political convenience. It reflects enduring trust, forged over time and tested in the crucible of selfless governance. It echoes the timeless truth that “two cannot walk together except they agree” and highlights the importance of alignment in vision and purpose for any administration to succeed. What’s more? It reinforces the idea that the office of the Deputy Governor can be a pillar of stability rather than a platform for competition.
No wonder that her influence radiates beyond the corridors of power, where her calm disposition and reassuring aura resonate with the people. Humble, approachable, composed, and deeply connected with the concerns and aspirations of the ordinary Akwaibomite, Mrs Eyakenyi comes across as the Mary Slessor of our time.
As the state continues to chart its course towards destiny fulfilment, the partnership between Governor Eno and his deputy must be seen as that beacon to what is possible when trust, loyalty, and shared vision take precedence over personal ambition in governance. And as they say, you don’t change a winning team – something which the governor himself has made clear. The meaning is that the office of the Deputy Governor is not vacant till after 2031.
That is because Akwa Ibom State has not just a deputy governor in Eyakenyi but also a symbol of stability, custodian of trust, and matriarchal vital force in the ongoing journey toward our own cornucopia – courtesy of the Arise Agenda!
