The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, has said that she knows the male – female relationship is a subject of intense debate today.
Sen Eyakenyi said while she is not advocating the subjugation of the female gender, there is need for women to go back to the scriptures and do as God commanded.
She said a violation of scriptural principles has consequences, just as obedience to them brings rewards.
She stated this on Friday at the Annual Women Prayer Retreat of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association(UUEA) held in Uyo with the theme, “The Prevailing Woman in Politics.”
The Deputy Governor who was inducted as a member of the Victorious Women Fellowship of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, said in more than forty years of marriage, their children have never heard them quarrel, “Sometimes they would tease us saying “Daddy and mummy, when will we also hear you quarrel?
She also recalled how she had made the divinely journey from teaching and school administration into an eventful political career, saying that she thinks she has seen and experienced enough to share with other women, especially Kingdom women who may desire a career in politics.
While expressing her gratitude to God for his grace and favour upon her, Dr. Eyakenyi said, “it hasn’t been altogether a smooth and easy journey. Of course, no child of destiny, even in the Bible, found life permanently smooth. The crown has always been for the overcomers. If you don’t win, you can’t be a Champion,” she continued.
“God is not a respecter of persons or gender. In His Sovereignty, He chooses and anoints whom He wants, whether male or female, rich or poor. Being a woman, wife or mother has never been a disqualification to divine purpose. We are the ones imposing limitations on ourselves,” she said.
Eyakenyi went on to say that “Contrary to popular misconception, there is nothing immoral about politics and political processes. The repudiation of politics is tantamount to the rejection of government with the accompanying consequences.”
According to her, “A liar in business will lie to his customers and partners. A pervert in teaching will manifest that evil tendency in that noble profession. A fraudulent lawyer will dupe his clients and even an immoral Pastor will misbehave despite the sanctity of the altar of God and clear ordinances of the scriptures.”
She explained that some of her male political associates have pointed to the level of respect she accord her husband as the reason for their support for her.
In her words, she said “Of course, if I didn’t submit completely to the leadership of my husband at home, he wouldn’t support me to be a leader outside.”
The Media Unit Office of the Deputy Governor reported that the former Minister of Lands and Urban Development said the call of God is not gender biased. Kingdom women should take the liberty of pursuing their purpose without the fear of rejection or discrimination.
It said Sen Eyakenyi enjoined Christian women who have a sincere and consistent burden for politics and government not to shy away from participation on the basis of the misconception that politics is dirty.
She further urged Christian women in politics and those who may wish to join to be prayerful, Godly, respectful, humble, loyal and purposeful.