Photo: Anambra State House of Assembly
Bernard Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been suspended for three months without pay over alleged “unparliamentary conduct, inciting comments on social media, and abuse of legislative privileges.”
The suspension was announced on Tuesday by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privileges, following a social media post in which Udemezue alleged the marginalisation of his constituency in the distribution of constituency allowances.
The disciplinary process was initiated after a motion was moved by Tony Muobike (Aguata 2) and seconded by the Chief Whip, Jude Ngobili (Ihiala 1).
According to the committee’s report, signed by Chairman Ofodeme Ikenna and ten other members, Udemezue failed to honour an invitation to explain his allegations. Instead, he reportedly mocked the process by sharing the invitation on WhatsApp alongside a song, which was deemed disrespectful to the Assembly.
The report also referenced multiple petitions against the lawmaker, including allegations of intimidation, threats to colleagues, unlawful interference, and misconduct during his time as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland and Boundary Affairs.
As part of the disciplinary action, the committee recommended that Udemezue issue a public apology to the Speaker and the entire Assembly—both in writing and via social media—and undergo mandatory training on parliamentary ethics. He has also been barred from accessing the Assembly Complex for the duration of his suspension.
In response, Udemezue described the suspension as political victimisation, claiming he was targeted for exposing corruption within the Assembly. Speaking to journalists, he defended his social media posts, which revealed that lawmakers receive N10 million quarterly for constituency projects, saying they were intended to keep his constituents informed.
The suspension has sparked outrage among youths in Ayamelum. John Udemezue, a youth leader, condemned the decision, alleging it was a retaliatory move against the lawmaker for speaking out.
“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,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the House Committee has called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Udemezue’s claims, including allegations of 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.
