The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of Hon. Dickson Ovat Agbor, a serving member of the Cross River State House of Assembly. The decision was reached by the Ward Executive Committee following serious allegations of misconduct, including a widely reported incident of public assault against his wife.
The suspension, which cited Article 21, Subsections (i), (iii), (vii), and (x) of the APC Constitution, was formalized in a letter signed by the Ward Chairman, Stephen Ebokpo, and the Secretary, Igrigri Samuel.
At the core of the party’s disciplinary action is a “deeply troubling” allegation that Hon. Agbor publicly assaulted his spouse. The Executive Committee noted that such conduct is a direct violation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 – a law domesticated by the very House of Assembly in which Agbor serves.
READ ALSO: 2027: Indigenous Gospel Ministers Forum Endorses Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for Second Term
“As a legislator, you are expected to embody restraint, honour, and respect for the sanctity of human dignity,” the letter stated. “Anything less diminishes both your office and the institution you represent.”
The party further expressed concern that the lawmaker’s alleged actions have brought “public scrutiny, embarrassment, and indignation” to the APC and cast a shadow over the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Edet Otu.
The committee revealed that the suspension was also triggered by Hon. Agbor’s persistent refusal to honor invitations to respond to these allegations. His silence, described by the party as a failure to address “weighty concerns,” left the leadership with “no responsible alternative” but to act.
Beyond the assault allegations, the lawmaker stands accused of chronic disengagement from party structures. The committee noted that since assuming office, Agbor has failed to convene or participate in essential ward and constituency meetings despite repeated calls to do so.
The indefinite suspension bars Hon. Agbor from all party activities effective immediately. A Disciplinary Committee is expected to be constituted shortly to conduct a full-scale investigation into the matter and provide recommendations for further action.
Copies of the suspension notice have been forwarded to high-ranking officials, including the APC State Chairman in Calabar, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Hon. Ovat Agbor has yet to issue a public statement regarding the suspension or the underlying allegations.
