C/River lawmaker suspended ‘indefinitely’ over alleged assault on wife

The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended a lawmaker, Ovat Agbor, representing Obubra I Constituency, indefinitely over alleged violent conduct against his wife. The decision followed allegations that the lawmaker physically assaulted his wife. The spokesperson to the Speaker of the Assembly, Matthew Okachie, communicated the decision in a statement on Thursday. According […]

The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended a lawmaker, Ovat Agbor, representing Obubra I Constituency, indefinitely over alleged violent conduct against his wife.

The decision followed allegations that the lawmaker physically assaulted his wife.

The spokesperson to the Speaker of the Assembly, Matthew Okachie, communicated the decision in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the decision was reached during plenary after a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Asuquo.

The Assembly said it strongly condemned the alleged behaviour, describing it as inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of lawmakers.

“After deliberations, the House resolved that Mr Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities,” the statement said.

It added that the Assembly approved the constitution of a committee to investigate the matter and report its findings for further legislative action.

Following the resolution, Mr Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the statement said.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the House remains committed to discipline and integrity.

He said lawmakers must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the trust reposed in them by the people.

The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, a video of a woman with a battered face, said to be that of the victim, has been circulating on Facebook.

The video shows the victim with bruised eyes and lips, triggering public outcry, with many in the comment section questioning whether the lawmaker intended to blind his wife.

The police spokesperson in Cross River State, Eitokpah Sunday, declined to comment on the allegation, saying he could only comment on cases under the command’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, 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.