CRHA Speaker Ayambem, Under Fire For Reinstating Lawmaker

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

Cross River State chapter of Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence has condemned the reinstatement of Mr. Ovat Agbor, member representing Obubra 1 State Constituency, by the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA). 

The group faulted Speaker Elvert Ayambem’s decision, accusing him of failing to observe moral standards in governance and describing the reinstatement as “a serious contradiction to the moral standards expected of public office holders in the state.”  

Speaking with our correspondent on Monday in Calabar, Dr. John Egon, State Publicity Secretary of the group’s Cross River State branch, expressed concern over the development. 

He stated that despite the lawmaker’s earlier suspension over allegations of domestic violence against his spouse, he “has been recalled without clear evidence of accountability or justice.”

 Egon warned that such actions “risk diminishing public confidence in governance and weaken the ethical foundation upon which leadership should stand.”  

The group described the lawmaker’s alleged conduct as “a grave abuse of office and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people.” 

“Leadership must be anchored on respect for human dignity and the protection of citizens, not fear or coercion,” Egon maintained. 

“Any individual who consistently demonstrates disregard for these values cannot be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people,” he added.  

In a statement signed by Dr. Egon and sighted by our correspondent, the group also faulted Speaker Ayambem for presiding over and approving Ovat’s reinstatement.

 It said the action sends a “wrong signal that misconduct can be overlooked, thereby undermining discipline within the legislative arm of government and weakening public trust in the institution.”

 The statement stressed that “public office is a position of honour that demands integrity, discipline, and a strong moral compass,” warning that allowing such conduct to go unchecked “places a dent on the dignity of Cross River State and erodes the moral culture that binds the society together.”  

The group emphasized that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is “widely recognized as one anchored on moral virtues, discipline, and accountability.”

 It noted that the Governor’s leadership philosophy “reflects a commitment to restoring dignity, respect, and ethical conduct in public service across Cross River State, and should not be undermined by actions that contradict these ideals.” 

The statement added, “It is imperative that all arms of government align with these principles to sustain the integrity of the administration,” cautioning that “decisions such as the reinstatement of Agbor risk sending conflicting signals that may weaken the moral direction championed by the present administration.”  

The group called on civil society organizations (CSOs,), Non-governmental organization (NGOs,) like  civil society and women’s rights organizations to review the circumstances that led to lifting of  Agbor ‘s suspension so that Justice to be served.

In reaction to the issue, spokesperson to Speaker Elvert Ayambem, Mr. Matthew Okache, dismissed the group ‘s protest saying that due process was followed before the Assembly men lifted  Ovat  Agbor’s suspension.

“Agbor suspension  was lifted by the house after serving suspension via the recommendation of a committee that was set up to dig into the matter.” Speaker’s spokesperson maintained.