C’River assembly suspends lawmaker over domestic assault

The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the member representing Obubra I State Constituency, Dickson Agbor, indefinitely over allegations of domestic assault.

The decision was taken during plenary on Thursday following a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo.

While presenting the motion, Etta condemned the alleged violent conduct involving Agbor, describing it as behaviour unbecoming of a lawmaker and inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.

He said the Assembly must take decisive action to safeguard its integrity and public reputation.

“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” he stated.

After deliberations, the House resolved to place Agbor on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities pending the outcome of investigations into the allegation.

The Assembly also approved the constitution of an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and submit its findings for further legislative action.

Following the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the House.

Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature remains committed to upholding discipline, dignity and institutional integrity.

Ayambem stressed that lawmakers must conduct themselves in ways that reflect the trust placed in them by the public.

“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.

According to the Assembly, the suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the investigation by the committee set up to probe the allegation.