Cross River legislator on suspension tenders apology for purportedly attacking his spouse

The suspended member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Ovat Agbor, who represents Obubra I State Constituency, has offered a public apology for the alleged assault on his wife that led to his suspension from the Assembly.

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Agbor's apology, expressed in a personally signed statement issued on Monday, was directed at the government and people of Cross River State, as well as Governor Senator Bassey Otu and his wife, among others.

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In his statement, Agbor declared, "I sincerely express my profound apology to the Government and good people of Cross River State over the recent controversy that has generated public concern," acknowledging the distress caused by the incident.

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Agbor specifically apologized to Governor Bassey Otu and the First Lady, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for any embarrassment the incident may have caused the state government and its image, demonstrating his remorse for the situation.

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Additionally, Agbor extended apologies to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, his colleagues in the Assembly, his constituents in Obubra, and members of both families for the distress caused by the incident, seeking to make amends.

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While acknowledging that online narratives did not fully capture the situation, Agbor admitted that his initial silence had worsened public speculation, stating, "I take full responsibility for not coming out earlier to address the issue publicly."

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Agbor expressed regret over his silence, saying, "I acknowledge that my silence created room for speculation, and for that I am deeply sorry," and reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents with humility and dedication.

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The apology comes after Agbor's indefinite suspension by the Cross River State House of Assembly due to alleged violent conduct involving his wife, which was deemed unbecoming of a lawmaker and contrary to ethical standards.

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The police have confirmed that Agbor is currently being questioned over the incident at the Cross River State Police Command headquarters in Calabar, with the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, stating that the lawmaker is undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

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Eitokpah said, "He is currently with us at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), he is under interrogation," providing an update on Agbor's status with the police.

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The alleged assault, which reportedly occurred in late February, sparked widespread condemnation after images and videos showing the wife's injuries circulated on social media, prompting swift action by the State Assembly to suspend Agbor indefinitely.