Nigerian Lawmaker Suspended Over Domestic Violence Claims

Agbor Ovat Dickson, a lawmaker representing Obubra State Constituency, has been indefinitely suspended by the Cross River State House of Assembly due to allegations of domestic violence involving his wife. The decision was reached during a plenary session led by Deputy Leader Davi Etta, who noted that the allegations had raised urgent public concern and could negatively impact the Assembly's reputation.

Etta emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct in both public and private lives for lawmakers. The House has established a seven-member special committee to investigate the allegations and report its findings within a stipulated timeframe.

Speaker Elvert Ayambem expressed concern over the reputational impact of such allegations on the legislature and reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to enforcing laws against violence, particularly those protecting citizens' rights.