SGBV Advocacy: CRSHA To Review Dormant 2021 Bill After First Lady’s Visit

CALABAR, NIGERIA – The Cross River State House of Assembly has pledged to review and fast-track the passage of the state’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Bill, which was passed in 2021 but never received executive assent, following an advocacy visit by the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.

The lawmakers made the commitment on Wednesday during an advocacy engagement on the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), where the First Lady urged the Assembly to deepen its legislative commitment to protecting survivors and preventing abuse across the state.

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 the lawmakers, Bishop Otu called for stronger legislative action to institutionalise the fight against gender-based violence beyond political administrations and programmes.

“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.

She also urged members of the Assembly to sustain support for policies and legislative measures that would strengthen prevention, improve access to justice and provide adequate support services for survivors of abuse.

According to her, priority should be given to the effective implementation and enforcement of existing laws, adequate and sustained budgetary allocations, stronger legislative oversight and necessary legal reforms.

“Let us leave a legacy where justice is accessible, dignity is protected, and violence has no place in our communities,” the First Lady appealed.

Responding on behalf of the Assembly, the lawmakers unanimously pledged to revive the dormant 2021 SGBV Bill by reviewing it to reflect current realities in the state before ensuring its speedy passage.

The Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, the state’s only female legislator, Hon. Mercy Akpama, alongside other lawmakers, commended the First Lady for championing the campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and reaffirmed the legislature’s readiness to strengthen legal protections for vulnerable persons.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to promoting laws and oversight initiatives that safeguard the rights and dignity of residents.

“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,” the Speaker said.

Ayambem also commended Bishop Otu, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Ford Foundation and other development partners for sustaining advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

The advocacy engagement was attended by the wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Nelly Ayambem, female members of the State Executive Council, APC women leaders and other stakeholders committed to strengthening the state’s response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.