Cross River Assembly suspends lawmaker indefinitely over alleged assault on wife

A member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Obubra 1 Constituency, Ovat Dickson Agbor, has been suspended indefinitely over allegations of domestic abuse involving his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, whom he accused of infidelity.
The action by the legislature on Thursday followed an incident that reportedly occurred on Saturday, when the lawmaker allegedly attacked his wife during a public gathering at the House of Assembly quarters in Calabar.

Agbor had accused her of drinking and having affairs with other men.
The Assembly’s resolution, which cited violent conduct, was reached after a motion was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.
Etta condemned the alleged violent behaviour involving Agbor, describing it as unbecoming of a lawmaker and contrary to the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.
According to him, the House must take decisive steps to preserve the integrity and reputation of the Assembly.
“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” he said.
During deliberations, the House resolved that Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities pending further investigation into the allegation.
The Assembly also approved the constitution of an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and present its findings to the House for further legislative action.
Following the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the legislative chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the House.
Commenting on the development, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly remained committed to upholding discipline, dignity, and the integrity of the legislature.
Ayambem stated that members of the Assembly must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the trust reposed in them by the people.
“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,” he said, adding that the suspension would remain in place pending the resolution of the dispute.
Human rights activists and other stakeholders, including Governor Bassey Otu, also criticised the alleged actions of the suspended lawmaker, who has denied any wrongdoing, describing the incident as irresponsible.