Alleged Unparliamentary Conduct: Anambra Assembly Suspends Lawmaker, Bars Him From Legislative Complex
The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended the lawmaker representing Ayamelum Constituency, Bernard Udemezue, for three months without pay over alleged “unparliamentary conduct, inciting comments on social media, and abuse of legislative privileges.”
His suspension was announced by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privileges, on Tuesday,
This development occured 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.
