GENDER EQUALITY: Speaker Ayambem Pledges C’River Assembly’s Support or Equal  Opportunities Bill, Task Women On Capacity Building

By Itam Offor.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has reiterated the 10th Assembly’s commitment to legislation that will promote equal opportunities for all Cross Riverians regardless of their gender.

Ayambem was speaking during a one day retreat organized by the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in conjunction with UN Women for Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly on the Gender and Inclusion Development Commission (Establishment) Bill 2024, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Speaker stressed the need for Cross River State women to build up their capacities and vie for political positions and other leadership roles. In his words

“It is a welcome development. This is not the first time this Bill is surfacing on the Cross River State House of Assembly. The Bill was passed by the 9th Assembly though it was not assented to. Whoever is deserving of any political position, whether male or female will get it. But, there must be willingness and preparedness.” He said.

The Speaker further assured that the House will painstakingly consider the proposed Bill in line with current realities in Cross River State before passage. He commended Governor Otu for the appointment of several women into high offices in the State.

“Cross River is free for all. Governor Otu has shown gender sensitivity in political appointments so far but there must be willingness, preparednes and capacity building on the part of those interested in political positions”.

In an address, the Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar  Suleiman stated that the retreat reflected, “a commendable commitment by the CRS House of Assembly to promote the principles of Equity, Fairness and Inclusiveness in governance and society”.

The Director General who was represented by Dr Usman Ibrahim, reiterated that the proposed Bill aims at creating a society where individuals, regardless of gender or background will have access to equal legal, social and economic rights and protection.

He stressed that the proposed Bill will also institutionalize Equality, promote Inclusiveness and align with global best practices. He thanked the UN Women and Canadian Government, their Development Partners, for their support.

In his remarks, the former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and also former Member of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Onofiok Luke emphasized the need for equal opportunities for women adding that as Member of Parliament, he supported the five Gender Bills passed by the House of Representatives while applauding the Cross River Speaker and Members for coming to Akwa Ibom State  for the retreat.

Luke also urged the C’River Legislature to reconsider the resumption of Joint sittings with the Akwa Ibom State Legislature where both Assemblies used to jointly address matters affecting the two sister-states.

 In their various contributions, the Legislators expressed reservations about some aspects of the proposed Bill but resolved to thoroughly scrutinize it in the interest of both genders before passage.

On her part, the only female legislator in the Assembly, Hon Mercy Akpama (Yakurr 2) assured that the proposed Bill is not tailored to promote Women’s dominance over the men rather it will promote Inclusiveness.

She encouraged women to be proactive and bold while seeking political positions and thanked her colleagues for their positive contributions.

In a vote of thanks, the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr Catherine Ubi applauded NILDS and Development Partners for their commitment to strengthening the Legislature through regular training programs and reiterated that the proposed Bill will provide equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of their gender.

The retreat featured amongst other things, lectures on various topics including; A Review of the background Information and Gender Issues in Nigeria and Specially in Cross River State by Dr Idris Ibrahim,  

An Overview of Gender and Inclusion Development Commission (Establishment) Bill 2024 by Dr Usman Ibrahim, interactive sessions as well as good will messages from the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as well as the Commissioner for Women Affairs