CALABAR — The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, Dickson Agbor, indefinitely over allegations of violent conduct deemed unbecoming of a member of the legislature.
The decision was reached during plenary on Thursday after a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.
Lawmakers said the suspension was necessary to preserve the integrity and reputation of the Assembly.
Moving the motion, Etta condemned the alleged incident involving Agbor, describing it as behaviour inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of lawmakers.
He stressed that the Assembly must act decisively to uphold discipline within the legislative arm of government.
“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.
Following debate, the House resolved to place Agbor on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities pending the outcome of an investigation.
An ad hoc committee was subsequently constituted to probe the allegation and submit its findings to the House for further legislative action.
After the resolution was adopted, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the Assembly.
Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to maintaining discipline and protecting the dignity of the institution.
“The House will not condone any form of misconduct capable of bringing the legislature into disrepute.
READ ALSO: Cross River Assembly Suspends Bekwarra LG Chair Over Alleged Misconduct
We must continue to uphold the dignity of this institution,” Ayambem said, noting that the suspension will remain in force pending the committee’s report.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from outside the Assembly. Earlier, Bassey Otu and his wife, Eyoanwan Otu, publicly criticised the alleged conduct, describing it as irresponsible.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Agbor’s wife, Glory Agbor, appealed for privacy, insisting that the matter had been resolved within the family.
She said reports circulating about the incident had unfairly portrayed her family in a negative light.
“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,” she said, adding that she and her husband had resolved their differences amicably.
She also apologised to her husband and family over what she described as misconceptions surrounding the issue and announced her withdrawal from the Legislators’ Wives Association.
The Assembly said the suspension of the lawmaker will remain in effect until the investigative committee completes its work and presents its findings to the House.