…First lady charges lawmakers
By Onwa Ekor
Determined to strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the State, Wife of the Cross River governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, recently paid an advocacy visit to the House of Assembly.
The advocacy engagement with the Theme: “Advocacy for prevention, shifting social norms and strengthening state commitment to end SGBV,” was organised by a pet project of the governor’s wife, ‘Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative,’ in partnership with the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum and Ford Foundation.
The governor’s wife accompanied by the wife of the Speaker, Mrs Nelly Ayambem, female State EXCO members, APC female stalwarts and other stakeholders,
stressed the need for sustained collaboration with the legislature.
She enjoined the lawmakers to “deepen legislative ownership on the fight against sexual and gender-based violence,” while ensuring unflinching justice for survivors.
According to Otu, “as we work together l 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 called on Members of the Assembly to continue supporting policies and legislative measures that would enhance prevention, improve access to justice and provide adequate support services for victims of abuse.
These measures, according to the State First Lady include; effective implementation and enforcement of existing laws, ensuring adequate and sustained budgetary allocations, strengthening legislative oversight as well as promoting legislative reforms, amongst others.
Otu maintained that there was need to leave a legacy where justice remains accessible, dignity protected and violence finds no place in communities.
Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, his Deputy , Rt Hon Davies Etta, the only female legislator in the State House of Assembly, Hon Mercy Akpama, among other lawmakers commended the First Lady, for the advocacy engagement.
They pledged their commitment to the domestication of SGBV law which was earlier passed in 2021 but was not assented to, assuring that, it will be reviewed to get a speedy passage in line with the current realities in the State.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, commended the governor’s wife and founder of ‘Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative,’ the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, Ford Foundation and other development partners for championing the campaign against SGBV.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to promoting laws and oversight initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of all residents of the state.
“The responsibility of eliminating Sexual and Gender-based Violence rest on all of us.
“Together we can create safer communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect,” Ayambem said, reiterating the Assembly’s readiness to work with all partners in advancing the cause.
