C’River Assembly Suspends Lawmaker Indefinitely Over Domestic Violence Allegations

CALABAR – The Cross River State House of Assembly took decisive action on Thursday, suspending Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, the representative for Obubra I State Constituency, indefinitely over allegations of violent conduct, specifically domestic violence against his wife. The plenary session saw Rt. Hon. Davies Etta move the motion, seconded by Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, condemning the behaviour as unbecoming of a legislator and a breach of ethical standards.

Incident Background

Reports indicate the allegations stem from a recent episode where Agbor reportedly assaulted his wife, Glory Agbor, leaving her in distress, with claims of habitual abuse circulating on social media and among sources close to the assembly. Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, publicly criticized the lawmaker’s actions as irresponsible during the governor’s recent trip, while the Speaker himself intervened previously by taking the wife to a hospital after an alleged beating. In response, Glory Agbor issued a statement denying ongoing issues, asserting family resolution, apologizing to her husband, and withdrawing from the Legislators’ Wives Association to seek privacy.

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Assembly’s Response

After heated deliberations, the House approved Agbor’s immediate removal from all legislative duties and constituted an ad hoc committee to probe the matter thoroughly, with findings to guide further action. Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the lawmaker out of the chamber as the suspension took effect, underscoring the assembly’s zero-tolerance stance. Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem affirmed the legislature’s commitment to discipline and integrity, stressing that lawmakers must uphold public trust.

This development highlights growing scrutiny on lawmakers’ personal conduct in Cross River, with the suspension holding until the committee reports back.