Enough Is Enough, Abia Issues Strong Warning to Community Leaders

By Nabob Ogbonna, Umuahia

The Abia State Government has warned leaders of various communities and traditional rulers in the state that it will not tolerate any harmful practices that override the law or infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens.

The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Okechukwu Uwanna (SAN), made this known in Umuahia, the state capital, during an engagement with community youths on “Male Feminism, Gender-Based Violence, and Women Empowerment.”

Uwanna, who also spoke on the legal implications of gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices, insisted that tradition must not supersede the law or the fundamental rights of any individual, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

According to him, “Gender-based violence has taken a toll on the lives and resources of the state, and this transformative training provides a powerful platform for dialogue, reflection, and action.

“Such harmful cultural practices as widowhood and inheritance rites, rape, domestic violence, child abandonment, early and forced marriages, as well as sexual abuse and exploitation, are unacceptable in Abia and are against the law.

“As a responsible government charged with protecting lives, welfare, and security, as well as driving the transformation of the state, we cannot fold our hands and watch our people subjected to harsh cultural practices.

“We want the basic rights of every Abian to be respected in every community, regardless of gender.

“No cultural practice should override the law or the fundamental rights of any individual in Abia.

“Also note that acts such as child abandonment, abuse, and other harmful traditional practices are punishable under the law. We must continue to raise awareness so that communities understand both their rights and responsibilities,” he said.

Insideoutnews observed that the training underscored the urgent need to challenge norms that perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV), including patriarchy, poor child upbringing practices, and drug abuse.

The Attorney General was represented at the event by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice, Barr. Uwaeme Oluchi, who further called on participants not only to be informed but also to act as responsible citizens and advocates by reporting cases and supporting victims in seeking justice.

Similarly, the State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission in Abia State, Barr. Uche Nwokocha, highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity and strengthening reporting systems.

 He challenged the police, traditional rulers, and town union leaders to intensify efforts to combat gender-based violence in their respective domains.

“Human rights are not optional; they are fundamental. Every woman and child deserves protection, dignity, and justice. We encourage communities to speak up, report violations, and make use of available human rights mechanisms.

“We also use this opportunity to challenge the police and traditional rulers to commit to fighting GBV rather than sweeping cases under the carpet, thereby allowing perpetrators to go free while leaving survivors traumatised and oppressed.”he stated.

The key facilitator and Project Lead of the Male Feminists Network Project in the South-East, Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie, urged youths to be agents of change.

In his words: “GBV affects all of us. If it is not your mother, it is your sister or brother. Evil exists and thrives when we stand aloof. Let us promote actions and practices that advance gender equality and social justice,” he said.

One of the participants, Raymond Ndubuisi of Progressive Abia Youths, described the programme as impactful.

“This training marks another step towards building a network of informed and committed male allies who are ready to stand for justice, respect, and promote positive masculinity in their communities. I am inspired and committed to the fight against all forms of gender-based violence,” Ndubuisi said.

The programme, organised by Dr. Okezie, founder of the Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation and Project Lead of the Male Feminists Network Project (South-East Region), was held in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.