Cross River Assembly Fires Disgraced Lawmaker Agbor Over Domestic Abuse
Dickson Agbor, the member representing Obubra I state constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has been suspended indefinitely over alleged violent conduct.
The decision was reached by the assembly on Thursday following a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.
While presenting the motion, Etta described the alleged violent conduct involving Agbor as inappropriate for a lawmaker and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected from members of the legislative arm of government.
He stressed the need for the assembly to protect the integrity of the institution.
“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,”
After deliberations, the house resolved that Agbor should be barred indefinitely from all legislative activities pending further investigation into the allegations.
An ad hoc committee was also constituted to investigate the matter and report its findings back to the house for further legislative action.
Following the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms in compliance with the directive of the house.
Speaking on the development, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the assembly remained committed to maintaining discipline and protecting the integrity of the legislature.
“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.
Ayambem added that the suspension would remain in force pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.
Meanwhile, Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, criticised the lawmaker’s alleged actions and described them as irresponsible.
In a separate development, Glory, the wife of the suspended lawmaker, issued a statement on Thursday apologising to her husband and his family while urging the public to respect their privacy.
“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 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.
“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.”
