From Rabilu Abubakar Gombe
Gombe State is stepping up its fight against Gender-Based Violence, GBV, with a bold appeal to the traditional institution to take the lead in enforcing the recently enacted GBV Prohibition Law.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Iganus, formally presented the law to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, in his palace, seeking royal backing to push the law into action at the grassroots.
“Our traditional rulers are not just custodians of culture—they are voices of authority. We need them to help shift harmful norms and ensure that the law is upheld in every household,” Iganus said.
The emir, represented by Dan Lawan Gombe, Dr Sani Jauro, pledged the Emirate Council’s full support, describing the law as timely and necessary.
“We are ready to work with government and the civil society to protect the dignity and rights of women and children,” he affirmed.
Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, Gabriel Galadima emphasised that the law, signed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, is now fully active and binding on all citizens.
“This sends a clear message: there is no hiding place for abusers—regardless of status or power,” Galadima said.
The Chairman, Gombe Local Government Council, Sani Haruna, and several community leaders echoed support, vowing to raise awareness, assist survivors and promote behavioural change in their communities.
The initiative, supported by UN Women, reflects a strategic push by the Gombe State government to align cultural leadership with legal frameworks in the battle against GBV.
