|By Adejumo Adekunle
A civil society group in Cross River State has strongly condemned the reinstatement of a suspended lawmaker, warning that the decision could undermine public trust and weaken ethical governance.
The Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence accused the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly of disregarding moral standards by reinstating Ovat Agbor, the representative of Obubra I State Constituency.
The group specifically faulted the role of the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, describing the move as a breach of ethical responsibility and a troubling contradiction of the standards expected of public officials.
Agbor had earlier been suspended following reports of alleged domestic violence against his wife—an incident that sparked public outrage and led to his apology on the floor of the Assembly.
But speaking at a press briefing in Calabar, the group’s Publicity Secretary, John Egon, said the lawmaker’s recall was carried out without clear evidence of accountability or reform.
He warned that such actions risk sending a dangerous message that misconduct—particularly involving abuse—can be overlooked within the corridors of power.
“This is a grave abuse of office and a betrayal of public trust,” Egon declared, insisting that leadership must be rooted in respect for human dignity and the protection of citizens.
The group stressed that individuals who fail to uphold these values should not be entrusted with public representation, adding that the decision could erode the moral foundation of governance in the state.
It also took aim at Speaker Ayambem for presiding over the reinstatement, arguing that the move signals tolerance for misconduct within the legislature and could damage the credibility of the Assembly.
While acknowledging the reputation of the administration of Bassey Otu as one driven by discipline and accountability, the group warned that such decisions risk undermining the government’s ethical standing.
They further called on civil society organisations and women’s rights groups to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding Agbor’s recall and ensure that justice is not compromised.
However, the Assembly leadership pushed back against the criticism. The Speaker’s spokesman, Matthew Okache, defended the decision, insisting that due process was strictly followed.
According to him, the reinstatement was based on the recommendation of a committee set up by the House after the lawmaker had served his suspension.
