By Patrick Obia
The All Progressive Congress (APC), in Cross River State has suspended the embattled lawmaker and member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Honorable Ovat Agbor Dickson over alleged domestic violence and misconduct.
The suspension was contained in a letter signed by Chairman of Osopong Ward 1, Stephen Ebokpo and Secretary Igrigri Samuel, noting that the moved became necessary following a formal complaint duly lodged before the Ward Executive Committee, as well as his persistent failure to honour repeated invitations extended to him to appear and respond to the serious allegations brought against his person. The APC said his silence in the face of these weighty concerns left the party with no responsible alternative.
The suspended lawmaker has been in the news for the wrong reason when he reported assaulted his wife. An act that drew public concern and subsequently landed him with suspension from the Cross River State House of Assembly.
He was also invited and interrogated by the Cross River State Police Command for hours and later granted bail on surety.
READ: BREAKING: Interrogation Ongoing As Police Confirms Arrest Of Hon. Dickson Agbor
He thereafter apologized to Governor Bassey Otu who had lashed on him for his act. His apologies extended to the governor’s wife, the Speaker of the Assembly, the APC, and other associates. However, his apologies met backlash as he could not acknowledge or apologise to the wife – the victim.
Full suspension from the APC below:
With a deep sense of duty and unwavering commitment to the principles that bind our great party, and pursuant to Article 21, Subsections (i), (iii), (vii), and (x) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Ward Executive Committee hereby conveys to you the decision to place you on immediate and indefinite suspension from the party.
This action follows a formal complaint duly lodged before the Ward Executive Committee, as well as your persistent failure to honour repeated invitations extended to you to appear and respond to the serious allegations brought against your person. Your silence in the face of these weighty concerns has left the party with no responsible alternative.
At the heart of this decision lies the deeply troubling and widely reported allegation of public assault against your wife an act which, if established, represents not only a grave moral failing but a conduct profoundly inconsistent with the dignity of your office and the values we uphold as a party. As a legislator, you are expected to embody restraint, honour, and respect for the sanctity of human dignity; anything less diminishes both your office and the institution you represent.
Furthermore, such alleged conduct stands in stark violation of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, notably the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which criminalizes all forms of domestic violence and abuse, and which has been duly domesticated and ratified by the Cross River State Government and the very House of Assembly of which you are a serving member.
Beyond the legal dimensions, the reputational consequences of this matter have been profound. The image of our party has been subjected to public scrutiny, embarrassment, and indignation. It has, regrettably, cast a shadow not only on the APC but to the leader of our state His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and his dear wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Edet Otu.
The All Progressives Congress is not merely a political platform, it is a moral covenant anchored on discipline, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. We therefore cannot and will not—lend our name or shelter to conduct that erodes public trust or undermines the ethical foundation upon which our party stands.
It is equally a matter of record that since assuming office, you have failed to convene or meaningfully participate in meetings at both the ward and constituency levels, despite repeated calls by the Ward Executive Committee. This pattern of disengagement further compounds the concerns regarding your commitment to party structure and responsibility.
In consequence, and in the exercise of our constitutional mandate, you are hereby suspended indefinitely from all party activities with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a full-scale disciplinary process. A Disciplinary Committee shall be duly constituted to investigate these matters thoroughly and to make appropriate recommendations in accordance with the Constitution of our party.
You are urged to accord this development the gravity it demands and please be guided accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
E-Sign…
Stephen Ebokpo
Ward Chairman
Osopong ward 1
Igrigri Samuel
Ward Secretary
CC:
Chapter Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Obubra.
State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Calabar, Cross River State.
His Excellency, The Governor of Cross River State.
The speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly,
The Commissioner women’s Affairs, cross River State.
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