…Public office is a position of honour, integrity, discipline and strong moral compass — Group warns
NIGERIA: The reinstatement of suspended lawmaker, Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, who represents Obubra I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has drawn sharp criticism from a civil society group.
The Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence (Cross River Chapter) described the move as “a serious contradiction to the moral standards expected of public office holders” in the state.
Hon. Agbor was indefinitely suspended on March 5, 2026, following allegations of domestic violence against his wife, Glory Agbor. Graphic images and a video showing the woman with a swollen face and bruised eyes went viral, sparking public outrage.
The House, under Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, lifted the suspension during plenary on Monday, April 13, 2026 (some reports indicate the formal recall occurred around April 9). The Speaker’s Press Secretary, Mr. Matthew Okache, said due process was followed, explaining that the House acted on the recommendation of a committee set up to investigate the matter after the lawmaker had served his suspension.
Reacting to the reinstatement, Dr. John Egon, State Publicity Secretary of the group, expressed concern that the lawmaker was recalled “without clear evidence of accountability or justice.”
Speaking in Calabar, Dr. Egon warned that the Speaker’s action risks diminishing public confidence in governance, weakening the ethical foundation of leadership, and undermining discipline within the legislative arm.
“Public office is a position of honour, integrity, discipline and strong moral compass,” the group stated. “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.”
The group further accused Speaker Ayambem of failing to uphold moral standards by presiding over and approving the reinstatement, saying it sends “a wrong signal that misconduct can be overlooked.”
Such a decision, they added, “places a dent on the dignity of Cross River State and erodes the moral culture that binds society together.”
The group contrasted the development with the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, which it described as being anchored on moral virtues, discipline, and accountability.
It called on civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and women’s rights groups to closely review the circumstances surrounding the lifting of the suspension to ensure justice is served.
However, the Speaker’s Press Secretary dismissed the criticism, insisting that the House followed due process. He did not provide further details of the committee’s findings.
It will be recalled that Hon. Agbor’s wife had earlier denied the allegations of assault, claiming in some reports that the viral images and video were AI-generated or misrepresented a private family matter.
The development has once again raised questions about ethical standards for public officials and the handling of domestic violence cases involving persons in positions of authority.
