The Cross River State House of Assembly has indicated its readiness to strengthen the state’s legal framework against sexual offenders, pledging to review existing laws and support tougher measures aimed at preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The commitment followed a state-level advocacy visit to the Assembly by the First Lady of Cross River State, Eyoanwan Otu, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Ford Foundation, development partners and other stakeholders seeking stronger legislative action to address SGBV.
Speaking while receiving the delegation at the Assembly complex in Calabar on Wednesday, the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, assured that the legislature remained committed to strengthening the legal and institutional framework for tackling SGBV through legislative reforms, effective oversight and policies that guarantee justice and protection for victims.
He said the Assembly would continue to review relevant laws, strengthen legal protections for survivors, ensure offenders are held accountable, intensify oversight of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, improve budgetary support for SGBV interventions and expand access to justice, rehabilitation and psychosocial support services for victims.
Ayambem described sexual and gender-based violence as a major social challenge with far-reaching consequences for families, communities and the state’s overall development, stressing that addressing the menace requires collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, the media and the public.
“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,” Ayambem said.
Earlier, the First Lady urged lawmakers to strengthen legislative action against SGBV, noting that the persistence of the crime was driven not by the absence of laws but by weak enforcement, harmful social norms, inadequate accountability and limited public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting survivors.
She called on the Assembly to strengthen oversight of relevant agencies, ensure adequate funding for prevention and survivor support programmes, reinforce the implementation of existing laws and introduce reforms to address emerging challenges.
Otu described the legislature as a critical partner in tackling the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence, adding that preventing SGBV is not only a human rights obligation but also essential to public safety and sustainable development. She also urged lawmakers to institutionalise policies that would guarantee lasting protection for vulnerable persons beyond the tenure of any administration.