By Itam Offor
The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended the Member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, Hon Agbor Ovat Dickson indefinitely over alleged domestic violence.
The House has set up a Special Commitee to investigate the matter, which has been trending in social media, that the Obubra Lawmaker assaulted his wife recently.
The House took these decisions after deliberating on a matter of urgent public importance on a recent incident of domestic violence involving Hon Dickson and his wife brought before it by the Member representing Abi State Constituency and the Deputy Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Davies Etta.
In his presentation, Hon Etta stated that the alleged spousal abuse was all over the Internet thereby jeopardising the image of the House.
He emphasised that Lawmakers bear the prefix, “Honourable” and so must be above board in character and interpersonal relationships. He totally condemned the action of Hon Agbor while stressing that the 10th Assembly has been applauded for its legislative successes based on the high number of bills, motions and resolutions so far passed.
Also Speaking, the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo stressed strict adherence, by citizens to the Violence Against Persons( VAP ) Bill earlier passed by the House.
On his part, the Chief Whip, Rt Hon Hillary Bisong (Boki 2) said Dickson’s actions fall below the minimum standards expected of a legislator as stipulated in Members privileges and ethics.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed sadness over the matter. He noted that the integrity of the House is at stake as a result of the public outcry over the issue. He urged the Committee to be painstaking and submit their report on time.
Members of the Special Committee are; Rt Hon Hillary Bisong, Chairman, Rt Hon Davies Etta, Hon Omang Omang, Hon Kingsley Ntui, Hon Odey Brian Wonah, Hon Thomas Arukwu and Hon Mercy Akpama. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the House Leader are to serve as Ex-officio Members of the Special Commitee.
