When the now-suspended lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Dickson Ovat Agbor, was elected, his constituents had high hopes that he was going to sponsor profitable bills to better the state.
But little did they know that he was going to be enmeshed in a scandal bordering on domestic violence.
The lawmaker has been accused of assaulting his wife, Glory Sunday, over allegations of infidelity. The mother of four, who petitioned the State House of Assembly, was seen with a swollen face, believed to be injuries sustained during the battering.
Also, unconfirmed reports alleged that this may not be the first time the woman was beaten blue and black.
The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act), 2015, which Cross River State adopted, stipulates that domestic violence is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both. Section 19(1) of the Act provides that any person who batters a spouse commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding N200,000, or both.
Knowing the gravity of offence, an insider told Daily Sun that Glory did not want the matter to escalate. But neighbours who witnessed the assault raised the alarm, prompting the Assembly to suspend the lawmaker.
In a now deleted social media post, the wife, who is believed to have tried to cover up the crime, accused the wife of a top official of the House of Assembly of misleading her to go public.
She wrote: “I am Mrs. Glory Agbor, the wife of Hon. Ovat. I had earlier come online this morning to address the issue lingering on the social media space about my family, which I feel the general public would have respected my decision and allowed me take full responsibility for my actions, like I stated.
“It is quite unfortunate that the more I try to calm the situation, the more it escalates. But the truth remains that all information flying on the social media about my family is false.
“I wish to state here and now that I was misled by some group of friends in Legislators’ Wives Association (LEWA), led by the wife of the Speaker, whom I felt have the best of my interest, but contrary to my thoughts.
“Today, I openly announce my resignation from the said legislators’ wives association and I cease to be a member henceforth. I choose my family.
“It’s no doubt that some people had tried to paint the name of my family in bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view against my family, and state it clear here that my husband and I are in peace with each other. Even though issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences. Like I said, this is my family, and no marriage is totally perfect. Please, leave my family lone.
“The general public is advised to please note and stay away from my family. Agba Jalingo, precisely, and other persons, whether you’re being paid or not to drag my family, please, stop or my family will be compelled to take legal actions against anyone, if this continues.
“I wish to use this medium to apologize 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.”
Her explanation, however, did not deter the House from looking into the matter by suspending the lawmaker.
A statement by the chief press secretary to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, stated that the decision was reached during plenary following a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.
He added that, in the motion, the Assembly strongly condemned the alleged violent behaviour involving Agbor, describing it as conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker and contrary to the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.
According to him, the House resolved that Agbor should be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities.
He pointed out that the Assembly also approved the constitution of a committee to probe the matter and report its findings to the House for further legislative action.
The Speaker, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, stated that the House remained committed to upholding discipline, dignity and the integrity of the legislature. He emphasized that members of the Assembly must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the trust reposed in them by the people.
Okache, in a phone conversation, dispelled allegations that the action was politically motivated. He said the embattled lawmaker needed to step aside from all legislative activity for now.
“There is no political undertone anywhere. A committee has been set up to investigate, and I believe the committee will not take too long to report back to the House and the next action will be taken.”
He explained that “this is the first time it has come to our knowledge. I don’t know if it has happened before.”
He said it was disappointing that a lawmaker who understood the the law could go so low in acting the way he did.
“Naturally, lawmakers are supposed to be public office holders and expect them to live above certain behaviour,” he added.
Beyond the suspension, constituents have insisted on his recall, stating that his action had brought disgrace to the constituency.
Ogbudu Patrick said: “Focus on bullying your wife. You are a disgrace to the Cross River State House of Assembly.”
Etta Amba said: “This is not what we voted for. We want him to be recalled. He has disappointed us.
“We cannot have a lawmaker that is beating his wife at the slightest provocation.”
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Cross River State has confirmed Agbor’s arrest over the allegation.
The police public relations officer in the state, Sunday Eitokpah, an assistant superintendent of police, said Agbor, who was arrested on Monday morning, is with the State Criminal Investigation Department undergoing interrogation on the allegation of domestic violence.
