C’River Speaker criticized for reinstating lawmaker accused of domestic violence

…due process was followed before his reinstatement – Speaker’s Spokesperson

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Cross River State chapter of the Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence has strongly condemned the reinstatement of Hon. Ovat Agbor, member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, by the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA).

Recall that the lawmaker who was suspended on 5th March 2026, was reinstatement on Thursday 9th April this sparked outrage as civil society groups say that due process was not followed.

The group accused Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem of failing to uphold moral standards in governance, describing the decision as “a serious contradiction to the moral standards expected of public office holders in the state.”

Dr. John Egon, State Publicity Secretary of the group, who spoke to Vanguard in Calabar on Monday, expressed concern that Agbor was recalled despite his earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse.

“Despite the lawmaker’s earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse, he has been recalled without clear evidence of accountability or justice,” Egon said.

He warned that such actions “risk diminishing public confidence in governance and weaken the ethical foundation upon which leadership should stand.”

The group described Agbor’s alleged conduct as “a grave abuse of office and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people.”

“Leadership must be anchored on respect for human dignity and the protection of citizens, not fear or coercion.

“Any individual who consistently demonstrates disregard for these values cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people,” Egon added.

In a statement signed by Dr. Egon, the group faulted Speaker Ayambem for presiding over and approving the reinstatement, saying it sends “a wrong signal that misconduct can be overlooked, thereby undermining discipline within the legislative arm of government and weakening public trust in the institution.”

It stressed that “public office is a position of honour that demands integrity, discipline, and a strong moral compass,” and warned that allowing such conduct unchecked “places a dent on the dignity of Cross River State and erodes the moral culture that binds the society together.”

The group noted that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is widely recognised for its commitment to moral virtues, discipline, and accountability, and cautioned that the reinstatement risks sending conflicting signals that could undermine the governor’s moral direction.

It called on civil society organisations, NGOs, and women’s rights groups to review the circumstances surrounding the lifting of Agbor’s suspension so that justice can be served.

Reacting to the criticism, the Speaker’s spokesperson, Mr. Matthew Okache, dismissed the protest, insisting that due process was followed.

“Agbor’s suspension was lifted by the House after serving suspension via the recommendation of a committee that was set up to dig into the matter,” Okache said.