*Accuses Speaker’s Wife, Others
*Withdraws From Legislators’ Wives Body
*Publicly Apologizes To Husband
Lawmaker epresenting Obubra I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Ovat Agbor has been suspended indefinitely over alleged violent conduct on his wife, Glory Agbor.
Though the Assembly did not disclose the nature of violence the suspended legislator was involved in, Hon. Agbor is alleged to have constantly manhandled his wife in the wake of excessive drinking and late night-outs.
The Assembly strongly condemned the alleged violent attack, saying it was unbecoming of an honourable member.
His colleagues reached the resolution during plenary today following a motion moved by Hon. Davies Etta and seconded by Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo.
They said such behavior was contrary to the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative arm of government.
After deliberations, the House resolved that Hon. Agbor be placed on indefinite suspension from all legislative activities.
A committee was thereafter constituted to investigate the matter and report its findings to the House for further legislative action.
Hon. Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms, in compliance with the Assembly’s directive.
But in a dramatic twist, his wife and victim of the domestic violence, Glory, in a statement today, warned the public to respect her privacy, alleging that some wives of other legislators, especially wife of the Speaker, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, misled her.
In the shocking narrative, Glory announced her withdrawal from the Legislators’ Wives Association.
She stated: “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 alone.
“I wish to use this medium to apologize to my dear husband Hon. Ovat Agbor and my entire family over this misconceptions (sic) against him. Please forgive me as this will never repeat itself again.”
Her stance on the matter raises concerns over similar circumstance in the marriage of popular late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, who died from domestic violence inflicted by her husband, Peter Nwachukwu.
The Ekwueme crooner reportedly preferred to endure the series of beatings till she lost her life, following which her husband was arrested in connection with her death, found guilty by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, and sentenced to death by hanging.
Before Hon. Agbor was escorted out of the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, Speaker Ayambem remarked that the House remained committed to upholding discipline, dignity, and the integrity of the legislature.
He emphasized that lawmakers must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the trust reposed in them by the people.
Hon. Agbor’s suspension remains in force pending the outcome of the investigation by the committee set up by the Assembly, the body ruled.
Reports said before the latest turn of events, State Governor Bassey Otu and wife, Eyoanwan Otu, had reprimanded Hon. Agbor, saying his actions were irresponsible.
The governor’s wife had reportedly been furious over the habitual violence on Glory by her husband.
It was learnt that a few weeks ago, Speaker Ayamben had to drive to Hon. Agbor’s residence in the thick of night to rescue the wife and take her to hospital.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Mrs. Glory Agbor (r) and husband, Hon. Agbor.
