Ikot Effiom, Bakassi –In a historic move for grassroots governance and human rights, the Executive Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Hon. Effiong Okon, has formally assented to the Bakassi Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition, Prevention and Response) Byelaw, 2025.
The assent, which took place at the Chairman’s office on Monday, transforms the legislative byelaw proposal passed by the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly in August into enforceable law, marking an important step in the local fight against gender-based violence.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Jesam Odu, who presented the final document for executive approval. Photographs from the event captured the moment of the historic assent, symbolizing a unified front between the legislative and executive arms of the council in tackling the menace.
The byelaw, now designated BLC/BYE-LAW NO. 1, 2025, establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to prevent, prohibit, and respond to all forms of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
It introduces stringent penalties for offenders, with rape carrying a minimum sentence of 12 years and up to life imprisonment without the option of a fine. Other offences such as harmful traditional practices, economic abuse, and witchcraft branding also attract substantial custodial sentences and fines.
A key innovation of the legislation is the creation of community-level enforcement mechanisms, notably the Area Council Anti-GBV Committee and Community Crisis Management Teams (CCMTs). These bodies are tasked with first response, ensuring survivor safety, and referring cases to the police within 24 hours. They will also lead public enlightenment campaigns to shift harmful social norms.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Chairman Okon hailed the law as a testament to the council’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. “Today, we send a clear and unequivocal message that Bakassi is no longer a safe haven for perpetrators of gender-based violence. This law provides the tools to protect our women and girls and ensure justice for survivors,” he stated.
Rt. Hon. Bassey, who championed the passage in the assembly, appreciated the Chairman for his swift assent. “This is a bold statement against impunity. We have now provided a robust legal framework tailored to our local context. Our work now shifts to ensuring effective implementation across all 10 wards in Bakassi,” she said.
The byelaw aligns with existing federal and state legislations, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Cross River State VAPP Law, while specifically addressing the unique socio-cultural dynamics of the Bakassi area.
Leader Bassey further explained that with the Chairman’s assent, the legislation is now in effect, and the accompanying Implementation & Monitoring Framework is set to guide its rollout.
