Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the member representing Obubra I State Constituency, Dickson Ovat Agbor, indefinitely over alleged domestic assault.
The decision followed a motion moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo during plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, 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 him, 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.
Following 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.
Following the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms in compliance with the directive of the House.
Speaking 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 emphasised 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, according to the Assembly, will remain in force pending the outcome of the investigation by the committee set up to probe the allegation.
