The Cross River State House of Assembly has suspended a lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, Dickson Agbor, over an allegation of domestic assault.
The decision was taken during plenary on Thursday after members of the Assembly debated the issue and called for disciplinary action.
The motion for Agbor’s suspension was moved by Davies Etta and seconded by Francis Bassey Asuquo. Lawmakers said the step was necessary to protect the reputation and integrity of the Assembly while an investigation is carried out.
According to Etta, the alleged violent conduct linked to the lawmaker was not acceptable for someone occupying a public office. He said lawmakers must show good character and act in a way that reflects the responsibilities given to them by the people they represent.
“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” he said while presenting the motion.
After discussions, the Assembly agreed that Agbor should be placed on an indefinite suspension from all legislative duties while the allegation against him is investigated.
The House also approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to look into the matter. The committee has been given the task of investigating the allegation and presenting its findings to the Assembly for further action.
Following the adoption of the resolution, Agbor was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms, in line with the directive of the House leadership.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature must maintain discipline and protect its public image. He added that the Assembly would not tolerate any behaviour capable of damaging the reputation of the institution.
“The House will not condone any form of misconduct capable of bringing the legislature into disrepute. We must continue to uphold the dignity of this institution,” Ayambem said.
He also stressed that elected representatives must always remember that they hold positions of trust given to them by the people.
According to the Assembly, the suspension will remain in place until the investigative committee completes its work and submits a report. Lawmakers will then decide on the next step based on the committee’s findings.
State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria have the constitutional authority to regulate the conduct of their members. This includes the power to discipline lawmakers through measures such as suspension, investigation or other sanctions when their actions are considered to have violated the rules of the House or public expectations.
Legislatures often take such actions to protect their credibility and to assure the public that elected officials are held accountable for their conduct both within and outside the chamber.
In recent years, several state assemblies across Nigeria have taken disciplinary steps against members over allegations ranging from misconduct and corruption to disorderly behaviour during plenary.
Although such suspensions sometimes generate debate about the limits of legislative authority, assemblies usually defend them as necessary measures to maintain order and uphold institutional standards.
The allegation against Agbor also highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Nigeria. Civil society organisations and advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of laws aimed at protecting victims of domestic abuse.
Nigeria passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015 to address various forms of violence, including domestic abuse. The law provides legal protection for victims and prescribes penalties for offenders.
However, implementation of the law varies across states because each state legislature must domesticate the Act before it can be fully enforced locally.
Advocates say public officials must lead by example in promoting respect for the law and protecting vulnerable members of society.
With the suspension now in effect, the ad hoc committee set up by the Assembly is expected to begin its investigation into the allegation.
The committee will gather information, review evidence and may invite relevant individuals to provide testimony before submitting its report to the House.
Once the report is presented, lawmakers will deliberate on the findings and determine whether further disciplinary action is required.
For now, the Assembly leadership says the priority is to ensure that the investigation is thorough and fair.
The development has drawn attention within Cross River State, particularly in Obubra Local Government Area where Agbor represents the Obubra I constituency.
Until the committee completes its work, the lawmaker will remain barred from participating in legislative activities, including plenary sessions and committee meetings.
The Assembly insists the measure is meant to safeguard the integrity of the legislature while ensuring that due process is followed in addressing the allegation.
