The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended a lawmaker representing Obubra I Constituency, Ovat Agbor, indefinitely over allegations that he physically assaulted his wife.
The decision followed reports of violent conduct involving the legislator, which the Assembly described as unacceptable and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of elected officials.
The spokesperson to the Speaker of the Assembly, Matthew Okachie, disclosed the development in a statement sent to newsmen on Thursday.
According to the statement, the resolution was reached during plenary after a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Asuquo.
The Assembly said it strongly condemned the alleged conduct and resolved to take immediate disciplinary action.
“After deliberations, the House resolved that Mr. Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities,” the statement said.
Lawmakers also approved the constitution of a committee to investigate the allegations and present its findings to the House for further legislative action.
Following the resolution, the statement noted that Mr. Agbor was escorted out of the legislative chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Speaking on the development, the Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature remains committed to maintaining discipline and protecting the integrity of the institution.
“The House remains committed to upholding discipline, dignity, and the integrity of the legislature,” Ayambem said, adding that members of the Assembly must conduct themselves in a way that reflects the confidence and trust placed in them by the people.
According to the Assembly, the suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of the investigative committee’s report.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on Facebook shows a woman believed to be the victim with visible injuries, including bruised eyes and lips. The footage has sparked widespread reactions online, with many users expressing outrage and questioning the alleged attack.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Nigerian Police Force were unsuccessful. The spokesperson of the police command in Cross River State, Eitokpah Sunday, declined to comment on the allegation, stating that he could only speak on matters currently under investigation by the command.
The suspended lawmaker, Agbor, did not respond to calls or a text message to his reaction to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
