By Our Reporter
Glory Agbor, wife of Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, has defended her husband against allegations of domestic violence made public by activist Agba Jalingo.
The lawmaker, who represents Obubra I State Constituency, was recently dragged into controversy following claims circulating online that he assaulted his wife over accusations of infidelity.
The allegation surfaced in a Facebook post by Jalingo, who claimed the incident occurred last Saturday at the Assembly quarters.
According to sources referenced in the post, the dispute reportedly began during a public gathering where the lawmaker allegedly accused his wife of drinking and engaging in relationships with other men.
The disagreement was said to have continued after the couple returned home and later escalated into a physical altercation.
A source familiar with the situation was quoted as saying the argument “escalated into a fight,” during which the lawmaker allegedly beat his wife.
However, when contacted shortly after the allegations surfaced, Mrs Agbor dismissed the claims, insisting that nothing serious had occurred.
“Nothing happened. Just stay off. We will sort it out,” she said.
In a fresh public statement addressing the controversy, Mrs Agbor again denied the allegations and claimed she was misled by members of the Legislators’ Wives Association (LEWA), particularly the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, to speak publicly about the issue.
She subsequently announced her resignation from the association, stating that she had chosen to prioritise her family.
“I am Mrs Glory Agbor, the wife of Hon. Ovat. I had earlier come online this morning to address the issue lingering on social media about my family, which I feel the general public should have respected my decision and allowed me to take full responsibility for my actions as I stated,” she said.
She lamented that her attempts to calm the situation had only intensified the controversy and insisted that the allegations circulating on social media were false.
“It is quite unfortunate that the more I try to calm the situation, the more it escalates. But the truth remains that all information flying on social media about my family is false,” she said.
Mrs Agbor claimed that she had been influenced by some members of the Legislators’ Wives Association to speak publicly, believing they had her best interests at heart.
“I wish to state here and now that I was misled by some group of friends in the Legislators’ Wives Association led by the wife of the Speaker, whom I thought had my best interests at heart, but contrary to my expectations,” she said.
She then announced her decision to leave the association.
“Today I openly announce my resignation from the said Legislators’ Wives Association group. I cease to be a member henceforth. I choose my family,” she declared.
Mrs Agbor further maintained that although disagreements had occurred in the marriage, they had been resolved amicably.
“It’s no doubt that some people have tried to paint my family in a bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view. My husband and I are in peace with each other. Even though issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences,” she said.
She appealed to the public to respect the privacy of her family and warned individuals spreading the allegations to desist.
“The general public is advised to please stay away from my family. Agba Jalingo precisely and any other persons—whether you are being paid or not to drag my family—please stop, or my family will be compelled to take legal action if this continues,” she said.
Mrs Agbor also used the opportunity to apologise to her husband and family over the controversy.
“I wish to use this medium to apologise to my dear husband Hon. Ovat Agbor and my entire family over these misconceptions against him. Please forgive me as this will never repeat itself again,” she said.
Efforts to obtain a response from Hon. Agbor were unsuccessful as of press time.
The controversy has continued to generate reactions on social media, with some calling for clarification from the lawmaker while others urged caution, noting that the claims remain allegations.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.