By Asuquo Cletus
The Chairman of the Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Eyo Bassey has called for adaptive leadership within traditional institutions as a strategic approach to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in communities across the state.
He made the call at a high-level forum on “Adaptive Leadership and the Role of Traditional Institutions in Combating Gender-Based Violence,” organized in Calabar, on Wednesday by Gender and Development Action (GADA) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.
Addressing participants, Hon. Bassey highlighted the indispensable role of traditional rulers as the closest tier of governance to the people, emphasizing their cultural authority and influence within rural communities.
“Traditional leaders are often the first point of contact for those seeking justice. Their institutions must evolve to respond effectively to modern societal challenges, particularly the widespread issue of gender-based violence,” he said.
The lawmaker decried the rising incidence of GBV across Nigeria, citing national statistics indicating that 31 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. He also referenced localized concerns in Cross River State, including child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing them as “stories of pain, lost futures, and silenced voices.”
He underscored the need for traditional leaders to embrace adaptive leadership a framework that encourages cultural introspection and reform. “It is about having the courage to ‘get on the balcony,’ to see the broader picture, identify root causes, and strategically drive change to protect the vulnerable,” he stated.
Hon. Bassey urged royal fathers and community leaders to actively challenge harmful practices, educate their communities on relevant legislation such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the recently amended 2023 Cross River State Child Rights Law, in ensuring that traditional dispute resolution processes uphold the rights of survivors rather than reinforce stigmatization or impunity.
He reiterated the commitment of the Cross River State House of Assembly to supporting traditional institutions in this transformative agenda, stressing the importance of collaboration between community leadership and formal justice systems.
“We are determined to strengthen the synergy between our traditional rulers and the state’s justice and security institutions. Accountability, protection for survivors, and deterrence of perpetrators must go hand in hand,” he said.
The lawmaker also reminded participants of an existing law enacted by the Cross River State House of Assembly ”CRS female persons Inheritance of Property law 2007 ” which protects women to have a share of inheritance.
Hon. Bassey concluded by urging a united front in the fight against GBV, emphasizing the central role of traditional leaders as agents of peace, justice, and sustainable development.
The forum, convened by GADA an organization advocating gender equity and social justice provided a platform for strategic dialogue and community-focused action. It also featured contributions from legal experts, civil society actors, and traditional leaders from across the state.
