By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor, the suspended member representing Obubra I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over an alleged assault on his wife that prompted his indefinite suspension from the state legislature. The apology was made on March 9, 2026, in a signed statement addressing government officials, traditional leaders, political stakeholders, his constituents, and both families involved in the matter.
Agbor expressed remorse for the distress and public concern the incident generated, specifically apologising to Governor Senator Bassey Otu and the First Lady, as well as the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and fellow lawmakers. He acknowledged that his earlier silence on the situation had “created room for speculation” and deepened public interest in the allegations.
The lawmaker’s suspension followed circulating social media content and reports suggesting violent conduct toward his wife, which the Cross River Assembly described as unbecoming of an elected official and contrary to expected ethical standards.
Separately, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed that Agbor was invited for questioning by detectives as part of an investigation into the alleged domestic incident; police later clarified he was not formally arrested and was released to a surety as the probe continues.
Observers say the public apology reflects both political pressure and heightened sensitivity to domestic violence allegations involving public figures, as lawmakers and civil society increasingly demand accountability and conduct that aligns with public trust..
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