By Kpazoo Morrison
The Khana 10th Legislative Assembly, under the leadership of Barr. Albright Gobari Deebom, has convened a one-day public hearing on a proposed bye-law aimed at prohibiting harmful traditional practices and addressing related issues.
The event was held at the Suanu Finimale Nwika Conference Hall in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In his address, the Leader of the Assembly expressed concern over the increasing incidence of unchecked dissolution of traditional marriages, as well as the persistence of harmful cultural practices. He noted that these trends have significantly contributed to social conflicts among couples, families, and the wider community.
Deebom emphasized that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a clear legal framework that preserves the integrity of long-standing cultural values while prohibiting practices that are inconsistent with the community’s native laws and customs.
Key harmful practices identified includes; harmful widowhood practices, refusal to release women after divorce (including practices known as Tuak Bake and Leemaa-bu), gender discrimination in family inheritance and neglect of children born under the ‘Biabe’ system.
According to the Assembly, these practices have far-reaching consequences, including: breakdown of family stability, negative impact on children’s welfare, cultural erosion, social stigma and community conflict.
Our correspondent reports that the public hearing attracted wide participation from traditional and paramount rulers, members of the clergy, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Community Development Committees (CDC), youth leaders, and women leaders from across Khana.
Also in attendance were key council officials, including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Dorka Daniel; the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Legislative Matters, Hon. ThankGod Baridam; Comrade Menele Nziidee; and other political appointees.
To ensure inclusive stakeholder engagement, the Assembly appointed the individuals to receive memoranda from their respective constituencies for submission within one week.
According to the assembly, Mene Sampson Barilugbene is go receive memoranda from Nyokhana, Mene Neeka Daasang to receive from Babbe and Mene Charles Wite is to receive from Ken-Khana.
Othets are; Barr. Jaja Barieeba – Nigerian Bar Association, Rita Serekara Jumbo – Women Representatives, Precious Ledogo Nnaa – Community Development Committees, Prince Ipia – Youth Representatives and Dr. Moses Nsanam & Ven. J.B. Johngbo – Clergy.
The Khana Legislative Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a just, equitable, and culturally grounded society through responsive and people-oriented legislation.
