A suspended member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Ovat Agbor, has apologised to the state government, the legislature and his constituents over allegations that he assaulted his wife.
Agbor, who represents Obubra I State Constituency, issued the apology in a public statement shared on his Facebook page on Monday.
In the statement, the lawmaker expressed regret over the controversy surrounding the incident, noting that it had generated public concern.
“I, Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor, Member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, wish to sincerely express my profound apology to the Government and good people of Cross River State over the recent controversy that has generated public concern,” he said.
Agbor also apologised to Bassey Otu and the First Lady of the state, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, acknowledging the embarrassment the situation may have caused the state government.
“First, I respectfully extend my heartfelt apology to Governor Otu and the Wife of the Governor, first lady, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for any embarrassment the situation may have caused the government and the image of our dear state,” he said.
He further apologised to the Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, and his colleagues for the disruption caused by the incident.
“I also tender my sincere apologies to the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly under the able leadership of the Speaker, Mr Ayambem, as well as my esteemed colleagues for the discomfort and distraction this development may have created within the House,” he added.
Agbor acknowledged that his delay in publicly responding to the allegations contributed to the widespread speculation surrounding the issue.
He said, “While many narratives circulating online do not accurately reflect the true situation, I take full responsibility for not coming out earlier to address the issue publicly.
“I acknowledge that my silence created room for speculation, and for that I am deeply sorry.”
The lawmaker also apologised to political stakeholders, traditional rulers, members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as both families involved.
He pledged to continue serving his constituents “with humility, responsibility, and renewed dedication.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed that the lawmaker and his wife had honoured its invitation following the allegations.
In a statement on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday, said both parties indicated willingness to resolve their differences.
“During the engagement, both parties indicated willingness to resolve their differences, following appeals made by the wife,” the statement said.
The police added that the lawmaker had been released to a reliable surety, while the case file would be forwarded to the state Attorney-General for legal advice after the investigation.
Agbor was earlier suspended indefinitely by the Cross River State House of Assembly over allegations that he physically assaulted his wife.
The House said the alleged conduct was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of lawmakers and set up a committee to investigate the matter and report its findings for further legislative action.
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