Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly have pledged to review and domesticate the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Bill, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening legal protections for survivors of abuse and tackling gender-based violence across the state.
The lawmakers noted that although the bill was passed by a previous Assembly in 2021, it was never assented to, making it necessary to revisit the legislation in line with current realities.
Key Highlights:
- Cross River State House of Assembly pledged to swiftly review and domesticate the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Bill.
- Lawmakers said the 2021 bill was never signed into law and needs updating.
- Elvert Ayambem reaffirmed commitment to protecting residents through stronger laws.
- Eyoanwan Otu urged stronger legislative action to end gender-based violence.
- She called for better enforcement, funding, oversight, and support for survivors.
- Lawmakers pledged full backing for measures to strengthen protections for victims across Cross River
They assured stakeholders that the bill would receive accelerated legislative attention to ensure its timely passage.
Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws and strengthening oversight mechanisms that protect the rights, safety and dignity of residents.
The lawmakers gave the assurance when the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, paid an advocacy visit to the Assembly as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The advocacy programme, themed “Advocacy for Prevention, Shifting Social Norms and Strengthening State Commitment to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” was organised by Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative in partnership with the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum and the Ford Foundation.
Addressing the lawmakers, Bishop Otu emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.
She urged the Assembly to deepen its legislative commitment by enacting policies and laws that would ensure justice for survivors and institutionalise measures to prevent abuse.
“As we work together, I respectfully encourage this Assembly to champion concrete legislative commitments, policy initiatives and, where appropriate, formal resolutions that will institutionalise gender-based violence prevention beyond programmes, administrations and political cycles,” she said.
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The governor’s wife also called on lawmakers to support legislative and policy measures that would improve prevention, enhance access to justice and strengthen support services for survivors of abuse.
According to her, priority areas include the effective implementation and enforcement of existing laws, adequate and sustained budgetary allocations, stronger legislative oversight and continuous reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable persons.
“Let us leave a legacy where justice is accessible, dignity is protected, and violence has no place in our communities,” she added.
In their separate remarks, the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, Deputy Leader Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, the Assembly’s only female lawmaker, Hon. Mercy Akpama, and other members commended the First Lady for championing the campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
They pledged the Assembly’s full support for legislative measures that would strengthen the legal framework for preventing gender-based violence and protecting victims across Cross River State.
