By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended embattled Hon. Ovat Agbor Dickson, suspended Cross River State House of Assembly member representing Obubra I State Constituency indefinitely, for allegedly beating his wife.
Ovat was suspended by the Osopong Ward 1 chapter of the APC in Obubra.
The suspension letter addressed to the suspended lawmaker was signed by Stephen Ebokpo and Igrigri Samuel, the ward chairman and secretary.
The letter which was copied to the Chapter Chairman of Obubra, State Chairman, Governor Bassey Otu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, reads:
“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.”
Recall that Ovat was suspended by the House of Assembly, invited and granted bail by the Police, thereafter apologising to the Governor and others.
