The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the member representing Obubra I State Constituency, Dickson Agbor, indefinitely over alleged domestic assault.
The decision followed a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo during plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Etta condemned the alleged violent conduct involving Agbor, describing it as behaviour 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.
Following deliberations, the House resolved that Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities pending further investigation into the allegatio
The Assembly also approved the constitution of an ad hoc committee 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 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.
The suspension, according to the Assembly, will remain in force pending the outcome of the investigation by the committee set up to probe the allegation.
Cross River legislator wife defends husband
Meanwhile, Glory Agbor, wife of Hon. Ovat Agbor, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly has again defended him against allegations of wife battering exposed by activist Agba Jalingo.
She claimed that she was Misled by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, perhaps to go public with the matter, and she has therefore decided to quit the Legislator’s wives Association LEWA.
While admitting that even though issues arose in the marriage she was quick to say that “we have been able to amicably resolve our differences.”
Her stance ”I am Mrs Glory Agbor, the wife of Hon.Ovat, I had earlier come online this morning to address the issue lingering on the social media space about my family, which I feel the general public would have respected my decision and allow me take full responsibility for my actions like I stated.
Glory Agbor and her husband
”It is quite unfortunate that the more I try to calm the situation, the more it escalates. But the truth remains that all information flying on the social media about my family are false.
”I wish to state here and now that I was misled by some group of friends (Legislator’s wives Association LEWA) led by the wife of the Speaker, whom I felt have the best of my interest, but contrary to my thoughts.
”Today I openly announce my resignation from the said legislator’s wives association group, and I cease to be a member from henceforth, I choose my family.
”It’s no doubt that some people had tried to paint the name of my family in bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view against my family, and state it clear here that my husband and I are in peace with each other, even thought issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences, like I said, this is my family, and no marriage is totally perfect, please leave my family lone.
”The general public is advised to please note and stay away from my family, Agba Jalingo precisely and any other persons, whether you’re being paid or not to drag my family, please stop or my family will be compelled to take legal actions against anyone, if this continues.
I wish to use this medium to apologize to my dear husband Hon. Ovat Agbor and my entire family over this misconceptions against him. Please forgive me as this will never repeat itself again.”