Member representing Ayamelum Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Bernard Udemezue, has been suspended for three months without pay for alleged “unparliamentary conduct, inciting comments on social media, and abuse of legislative privileges.”
The suspension, announced by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privileges, on Tuesday, comes after Udemezue posted on social media alleging marginalisation of his constituency in the area of constituency allowances.
The House initially summoned him following a motion raised by Tony Muobike (Aguata 2) and seconded by Chief Whip Jude Ngobili (Ihiala 1).
In its report, signed by Chairman, Ofodeme Ikenna and 10 other members, the committee noted that Udemezue failed to honour an invitation to clarify the allegations.
Instead, he allegedly mocked the process by sharing the invitation on WhatsApp with a song, which was deemed disrespectful.
The report also cited multiple petitions against Udemezue, including allegations of intimidation, threats to colleagues, unlawful interference, and misconduct during his tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland and Boundary Affairs.
The committee recommended that Udemezue tender a public apology to the Speaker and members of the Assembly, both in writing and via social media, and undergo compulsory training on parliamentary ethics. He is barred from the Assembly Complex for the duration of his suspension.
Reacting to his suspension, Udemezue claimed he is being victimised for exposing corruption in the Assembly.
He told journalists that his social media posts, revealing that lawmakers receive N10 million quarterly for constituency projects, were intended to keep his constituents informed.
Ayamelum youths also expressed outrage, vowing to resist the suspension.
John Udemezue, a youth leader, said, “We know that the reason our lawmaker was suspended is because he exposed the rot in the state Assembly. We will react to this development very soon.”
The House Committee further called on the Anambra State Police Commissioner and the DSS to investigate Udemezue’s claims concerning alleged plots and the murder of the late Justice Azuka.
“The actions of Bernard Udemezue have affected and dented the image of the legislature.
“This House cannot condone behaviours that undermine our collective integrity,” the committee concluded.
