The Cross River state house of assembly has suspended Dickson Agbor, the member representing Obubra I state constituency, indefinitely over alleged violent conduct.
The resolution was reached on Thursday after a motion was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.
Etta, in his call, described the alleged violent conduct involving Agbor as unbecoming of a lawmaker and contrary to the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.
He said the assembly must take decisive steps to preserve the integrity and reputation of the legislature.
“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” Punch quoted Etta as saying.
After deliberating on the matter, the house resolved that Agbor be barred indefinitely from all legislative activities pending further investigation into the allegation.
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, Elvert Ayambem, speaker of the house, said the assembly remained committed to upholding discipline, dignity, and the integrity of the legislature.
Ayambem noted 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.
According to him, the suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation.
Meanwhile, Bassey Otu, the state governor, and Eyoanwan Otu, his wife, have criticised the lawmaker’s alleged actions, describing them as irresponsible.
But in a statement on Thursday, Glory, Agbor’s wife, apologised to her husband and his family.
She urged privacy in the matter and announced her withdrawal from the legislators’ wives association, noting that 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 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.”
