The Anambra state house of assembly has suspended Bernard Udemezue, member representing Ayamelum constituency, for three months.
According to Punch, Udemezue was suspended without pay during Tuesday’s plenary session for “unparliamentary conduct, inciting comments on social media, and abuse of legislative privileges”.
The lawmaker was said to have revealed in a WhatsApp group, mostly populated by his constituents, that he receives N10 million quarterly from the state government for constituency projects — a disclosure that did not sit well with his colleagues in the assembly.
However, the house committee on rules, business, ethics, and privileges said the assembly initially summoned Udemezue after a motion raised by Tony Muobike, member for Aguata 2, and seconded by Jude Ngobili, member for Ihiala 1 and chief whip.
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In its report, signed by Ofodeme Ikenna and 10 other members, the committee said Udemezue failed to honour the invitation to clarify the allegations.
Instead, he allegedly mocked the process by sharing the invitation on WhatsApp with a song, which the committee described as disrespectful.
The report cited multiple petitions against Udemezue, including intimidation, threats to colleagues, unlawful interference, and misconduct during his tenure as chairman of the house committee on homeland and boundary affairs.
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The committee recommended that Udemezue issue a public apology to the speaker and members of the assembly in writing and via social media and undergo compulsory training on parliamentary ethics.
He is barred from the assembly complex for the duration of the suspension.
Reacting to his suspension, Udemezue claimed he was being victimised for exposing corruption in the assembly.
He said his posts, which revealed lawmakers receive N10 million quarterly for constituency projects, were meant to inform his constituents.
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The house committee also called on the Anambra police commissioner and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate Udemezue’s claims regarding an alleged murder plot.
“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.
