The Cross River State House of Assembly representing Obubra 1 Constituency, Ovat Dickson Agbor suspended indefinitely over domestic abuse of his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, he accused of infidelity.
The action by the Legislature on Thursday, followed a recent attack on Saturday on the victim by her husband who accused his wife of drinking and sleeping with other men during a public gathering at the House of Assembly quarters in Calabar.
The Assembly resolution which cited violent conduct, was reached on Thursday after a motion was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.
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 the lawmaker, 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.
During deliberations, the House resolved that Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities pending further investigation into the allegation.
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.
Consequently, Agbor was escorted out of the Legislative chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the House after the resolution.
Commenting 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 stated 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 will subsist, pending the resolution of the dispute.
Human rights activists and Stakeholders, including Governor Bassey Otu, criticised the lawmaker’s alleged the action by the suspended lawmaker who had denied any wrong doing, describing them as irresponsible.
