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Anambra Political Firestorm: Lawmaker Suspended Over 'Exposed' N10m Project Details

Published 12 hours ago2 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Anambra Political Firestorm: Lawmaker Suspended Over 'Exposed' N10m Project Details

Honourable Bernard Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum constituency in theAnambra State House of Assembly,has been suspended for three months without pay. The decision was made during Tuesday’s plenary session, following a report by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privileges, chaired by Sir Ikenna Ofodeme. Udemezue's suspension stems from accusations of “unparliamentary conduct, inciting comments on social media, and abuse of legislative privileges.”

The controversy began when Udemezue allegedly disclosed in a WhatsApp group, primarily composed of his constituents, that he receives ₦10 million quarterly from the state government for constituency projects. This revelation reportedly did not sit well with his colleagues, who deemed it damaging to the legislature's image. A motion was subsequently raised by Tony Muobike, member for Aguata 2, and seconded by Jude Ngobili, member for Ihiala 1 and chief whip, leading to the assembly's initial summons of Udemezue.

Anambra Lawmaker Suspended Over Social Media Posts

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

According to the committee's report, signed by Ofodeme Ikennaand ten other members, Udemezue failed to comply with the invitation to clarify the allegations. Instead, he is alleged to have mocked the process by sharing the invitation on WhatsApp accompanied by a song, which the committee considered disrespectful. The report also cited multiple petitions against Udemezue, detailing accusations of intimidation, threats to colleagues, unlawful interference, and misconduct during his tenure 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 members of the assembly, both in writing and via social media. He is also required to undergo compulsory training on parliamentary ethics and is barred from the assembly complex for the entire duration of his three-month suspension.

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