CALABAR — The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, representing Obubra I State Constituency, indefinitely following a brutal assault on his wife.
The decision was reached during a heated plenary on Thursday, March 5, after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Hon. Davies Etta and seconded by Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo.
Chased Out of Chambers
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to immediately escort the embattled lawmaker out of the assembly complex. The House condemned Agbor’s actions as “barbaric” and a gross violation of the code of conduct expected of a public officer.
The suspension follows reports that Hon. Agbor allegedly beat his wife, Glory Agbor, to a pulp at the House of Assembly quarters after a dispute over allegations of infidelity.
Government and Public Outrage
The incident has drawn a sharp rebuke from the highest levels of the state government. Governor Bassey Otu and the First Lady, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, described the lawmaker’s conduct as “irresponsible” and “unacceptable” in a modern society.
Despite the public outcry, the victim, Mrs. Agbor, issued a surprising statement on Thursday attempting to downplay the incident. She claimed the matter had been “amicably resolved” within the family and apologised for the “misconceptions” trailing her husband, while simultaneously announcing her withdrawal from the Legislators’ Wives Association.
Investigative Committee Formed
Refusing to let the matter slide based on a domestic “settlement,” Speaker Ayambem constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the battery and report back to the House.
“The dignity of this hallowed chamber must be preserved. We cannot overlook such violent conduct under the guise of a family affair,” the Speaker declared.
Hon. Agbor remains barred from all legislative duties and the assembly premises until the committee submits its final report.
