Cross River Assembly Suspends Lawmaker Indefinitely Over Alleged Assault on Wife

The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended a lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, Ovat Dickson Agbor, indefinitely over allegations of domestic violence involving his wife, Eyoanwan Otu.
The decision was reached during plenary on Thursday after members deliberated on a reported incident that occurred last Saturday at the Assembly quarters in Calabar, the state capital. The lawmaker was accused of attacking his wife during a public gathering after accusing her of infidelity.
Reports indicate that Agbor allegedly confronted his wife over claims that she had been drinking and engaging in affairs with other men, leading to a heated altercation that reportedly escalated into physical assault.
The motion calling for disciplinary action against the lawmaker was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo. During deliberations, Etta condemned the alleged violent conduct, describing it as unbecoming of a legislator and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of members of the legislature.
According to him, the Assembly must take firm steps to protect its reputation and maintain the confidence of the public.
“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 the debate, the House resolved to place Agbor on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities pending the outcome of a formal investigation into the allegation. The lawmakers also approved the constitution of an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and submit its report to the House for further legislative action.
After the resolution was adopted, Agbor was escorted out of the legislative chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the House.
Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature remains committed to upholding discipline, dignity and integrity within the institution.
“The House will not condone any form of misconduct capable of bringing the legislature into disrepute. Members must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the trust reposed in them by the people,” Ayambem stated, adding that the suspension would remain in effect pending the resolution of the matter.
Meanwhile, the alleged incident has drawn condemnation from several stakeholders, including human rights activists and the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, who criticised the reported actions of the lawmaker.
However, Agbor has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the allegations against him are unfounded.
The ad hoc committee is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and present its findings to the House for further action.