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

The group faulted the decision of the Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, describing it as “a serious contradiction to the moral standards expected of public office holders in the state”.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar on Monday, the group’s State Publicity Secretary, John Egon, expressed concern 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 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. 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 Egon, the group also criticised the Speaker for presiding over and approving the reinstatement, stating that 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”.

It added that the administration of Bassey Otu is “widely recognised as one anchored on moral virtues, discipline, and accountability”, and should not be undermined by actions that contradict these ideals.

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

The group called on civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and women’s rights groups to review the circumstances surrounding the lifting of Agbor’s suspension to ensure justice is served.

Responding, the spokesperson to the Speaker, Matthew Okache, said due process was followed before the Assembly lifted the suspension.

“Agbor’s suspension was lifted after he served the term, following the recommendation of a committee set up to review the matter,” he said.