Cross River lawmaker suspended indefinitely over alleged domestic violence

The Cross River State House of Assembly has placed Dickson Ovat Agbor, the lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, on indefinite suspension following allegations of domestic violence against his wife.

The resolution was reached during plenary after a motion was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo. Etta, who serves as Deputy Leader of the 10th Assembly and represents Abi State Constituency, brought the matter before the House as an issue of urgent public importance, noting that allegations circulating on social media had cast the Assembly in a negative light.

In his presentation, Etta condemned the alleged conduct as unbecoming of a legislator and contrary to the ethical standards expected of elected representatives. “We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” he said.

Following deliberations, the House resolved that Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities, and approved the constitution of a committee to investigate the matter and report its findings for further legislative action. Following the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Speaker Elvert Ayambem expressed concern over the reputational impact of the allegations on the legislature and directed the committee to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to enforcing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law. “The House will not condone any form of misconduct capable of bringing the legislature into disrepute. We must continue to uphold the dignity of this institution,” Ayambem said.

Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, also criticised the lawmaker’s alleged actions, describing them as irresponsible. Sources indicate that Speaker Ayambem had on one occasion reportedly driven to Agbor’s residence at night to intervene and take his wife to hospital.

A video of a woman with a battered face, said to be that of the victim, circulated on Facebook, triggering public outrage.

In a surprising turn of events, Agbor’s wife, Glory Agbor, released a statement calling for privacy and saying the matter had been resolved within the family. “My husband and I are at peace with each other. Even though issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences… Please leave my family alone,” she said.

Glory also apologised to her husband and family and announced her withdrawal from the Legislators’ Wives Association. In her statement, she alleged that some members of the association, including the Speaker’s wife, had misled her.

The suspension remains in force pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation. Agbor did not respond to requests for comment.