In what appears to be a comedy of errors, suspended member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Ovat Agbor, who represents Obubra I State Constituency, has publicly apologised for alleged assault on his wife, after initially denying that he did not assault his wife.
In the last couple of days, a buzz had grown around the alleged assault, with pictures showing moments of perceived indiscretion on Agbor’s path, towards his wife. He however made spirited but unconvincing attempts to show he did not assault his wife.
However, Agbor, in a personally signed statement issued on Monday, expressed remorse to the government and people of Cross River State, state governor, Bassey Otu and his wife, the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly, the people of Obubra Local Government Area, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and both families involved.
“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,” Agbor stated.
“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,” he added.
Agbor’s wife appears to have been forced into refutting the allegation that she was assaulted by her husband, even making and posting online, a poorly shot video, speaking in favour of her husband and insisting that the issue was a personal one.
But her husband specifically apologised to state governor, Bassey Otu and the First Lady, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for any embarrassment the incident may have caused the state government and its image.
While noting that narratives circulating online did not fully reflect the situation, the lawmaker admitted that his earlier silence worsened public speculation.
In another development, the police in Calabar, have confirmed that Agbor is currently being quizzed over the incident at the Cross River State Police Command headquarters in Calabar.
Sunday Eitokpah, ASP, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command , informed that the lawmaker is undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.
“He is currently with us at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID. He is under interrogation,” Eitokpah said.
