…As First Lady kicks against gender violence

The Cross River State House of Assembly has pledged to fast-track the domestication of the state’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) law, which was passed in 2021 but never received gubernatorial assent.

The commitment was made on Wednesday when the First Lady led an advocacy visit to the Assembly, urging lawmakers to strengthen legislative action against sexual and gender-based violence and guarantee justice and protection for survivors.

The advocacy programme, themed “Advocacy for Prevention, Shifting Social Norms and Strengthening State Commitment to End SGBV,” was organised by Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative in partnership with the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum and the Ford Foundation.

Addressing lawmakers, Mrs Otu stressed that ending gender-based violence requires strong institutional backing and sustained legislative commitment beyond political administrations.

She urged the Assembly to deepen its ownership of the campaign through concrete legislative actions, policy initiatives and resolutions that would institutionalise the prevention of gender-based violence across the state.

“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.

The First Lady also called for the effective enforcement of existing laws, adequate and sustained budgetary allocations, stronger legislative oversight and necessary legal reforms to improve access to justice and support services for survivors.

She challenged lawmakers to leave a lasting legacy “where justice is accessible, dignity is protected and violence has no place in our communities.”

Responding, Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, the Assembly’s only female lawmaker, Hon. Mercy Akpama, and other members commended the First Lady for championing the campaign.

The lawmakers unanimously pledged to revisit the unassented SGBV bill, review it to reflect current realities and ensure its speedy passage.

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, lauded the First Lady, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Ford Foundation and other development partners for sustaining advocacy against gender-based violence.

Ayambem reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws and strengthening oversight mechanisms aimed at protecting the rights, dignity and safety of all residents of Cross River State.

“The responsibility of eliminating sexual and gender-based violence rests on all of us. Together, we can create safer communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect. I assure Her Excellency and all stakeholders of the Assembly’s readiness to work with all partners in advancing this important cause,” he said.

The advocacy session was attended by the wife of the Speaker, Mrs Nelly Ayambem, female members of the State Executive Council, women leaders of the APC and other stakeholders.

This version gives the story a stronger news angle, improves flow, removes repetition, and places the Assembly’s legislative commitment at the centre of the report.