The lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, Dickson Agbor, has been suspended indefinitely for allegedly beating his wife black and blue, by the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Agbor who was suspended on Thursday after a motion was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo, was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the House.
While moving the motion, Etta condemned the alleged violent conduct involving Agbor, describing it as behaviour unbecoming of a lawmaker.
He said that the House must take decisive steps to preserve the integrity and reputation of the Assembly.
Speaking on the development, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said that the Assembly remained committed to upholding discipline, dignity and the integrity of the legislature.
Ayambem emphasised 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.
After deliberations, the House resolved that Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities and constituted a committee to investigate the matter and report its findings for further legislative action.
According to the Assembly, the suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.
Earlier, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, had criticised the lawmaker’s alleged actions, describing them as irresponsible.
However, in a statement on Thursday, Agbor’s wife, Glory Agbor, called for privacy and said the matter had been resolved within the family.
“There is no doubt that some people have tried to paint the name of my family in a bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view against my family, and state it clearly here that my husband and I are at peace with each other. Even though issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences. As I said, this is my family, and no marriage is totally perfect. Please leave my family alone,” she said.
She also apologised to her husband and family.
“I wish to use this medium to apologise to my dear husband, Hon. Ovat Agbor, and my entire family over these misconceptions against him. Please forgive me, as this will never repeat itself again,” she added.
She further announced her withdrawal from the Legislators’ Wives Association.
