Why Anambra Assembly Slams 3 Months Suspension on Lawmaker

By Praise Chinecherem

Facts have emerged on why Anambra State House of Assembly suspended their colleague, Hon Bernard Udemezue.

AnambraDaily can authoritatively report that Udemezue representing Ayamelum Constituency at the state assembly was slammed three months suspension for alleged anti-parliamentary conduct

The suspension according to the state Assembly will last for three months after tendering an apology to the Speaker, Hon Somtochukwu Udeze and the Assembly

Udemezue, represents Ayamelum State Constituency, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP

The committee, ethics and privileges, in a report presented during plenary, recommended that the lawmaker be suspended for three months without pay, issue a public apology, and undergo compulsory training on parliamentary ethics and practices.

The development followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Tony Muobike and seconded by Hon. Jude Ngobili, which accused Udemezue of using his social media platforms to make inciting comments capable of disturbing public peace and bringing disrespect to the House.

The Speaker subsequently referred the matter to the Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges for investigation.

In the report, the committee said Udemezue was formally invited to appear before it to clarify the allegations, but failed to honour the invitation.

Instead, he allegedly mocked the process by posting the letter of invitation on his WhatsApp status accompanied with a song titled “Ndi Ara.”

The committee further cited several petitions and reports against the lawmaker, ranging from allegations of intimidation and threats to colleagues on the Assembly’s WhatsApp group, among others

Sources cited Udemezue’s ‘sins’, among others, to include accusing the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo of not doing anything in Ayamelum constituency after the people gave him support.

The lawmaker, using his social media account, was said to have alleged that Soludo abandoned the people of his constituency to their fate.

Again, he challenged the Governor for preventing him from greeting his traditional ruler when the Governor visited the community last weekend

Furthermore, the lawmaker, outrightly fingered the State Government in the kidnap and murder of late Hon. Justice Azuka, a former member representing Onitsha North I, linking the incident to an alleged impeachment plot against the Governor in 2024

However, the committee condemned Udemezue’s actions as gross abuse of the oath of office and ridicule of the institution of the House of Assembly.

According to the report, “The actions of Hon. Bernard Udemezue have affected and dented the image of the Legislature.

The recommendations were signed by Chairman Hon. Ofodeme Ikenna and ten other members.

Meanwhile, Udemezue, while speaking with our reporter, dismissed his suspension, describing it as in bad fate.

He said the people of Ayamelum elected him to speak for and represent them, adding that he had not done anything wrong to deserve such treatment from his colleagues.

“I will speak at the appropriate time, but right now, I’m still monitoring the situation of things ” the embattled lawmaker said.

Read Full Recommendations Below:

In view of the foregoing (Evidence / documents so relied upon, summary of facts and the Committee’s obvious observations); the following recommendations became imperative;

1. That as Hon. Members, certain behaviors should not be seen to be exhibited by us as this no doubt ridicules the institution we represent; hence Hon. Bernard Udemezue is mandated to issue a public apology to;

a. The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly – Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, Ph.D
b. Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly

The apologies will be in two (2) folds;
a. On Hon. Bernard Udemezue’s social Media handles, WhatsApp. Facebook etc; and

b. A written apology to the above mentioned persons within Five (5) working days from today.

2. On the heavy allegation linking the State Government to the kidnap of Late. Hon. Justice Azuka, and the alleged impeachment plot leading to the subsequent murder of Late. Hon. Justice Azuka – the Committee recommends that the State Commissioner of Police (in charge of the Anambra State Police Command), and the Director, State Security Service, Anambra State be communicated forthwith to investigate the allegations as Hon. Bernard Udemezue has proven to have vital information that will aid the investigation.
3. That Hon. Bernard Udemezue is suspended for a period not exceeding Three Months without pay forthwith (for his unparliamentary actions which has affected and dented the image of the Legislature). The suspension of three months is for the first instance; and can be reviewed if necessary especially if the resolutions of this Honourable House are not adhered to by Hon. Bernard Udemezue and or if such unparliamentary actions continue.
4. That Hon. Bernard Udemezue should be subjected to various special sessions, training and or workshop on right parliamentary ethics, practice and duties.
5. That Hon. Members should conduct themselves properly as being guided by the Standing orders of the House, especially in Public places.
6. That the social media space is not and cannot be an approved means or approach to conducting legislative business especially for a Legislator
7. That Hon. Bernard Udemezue should not been seen within the State House of Assembly Complex for the period of the suspension