The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Honourable Bernard Udemezue, for three months over a controversial social media post.
The suspension was announced on Tuesday during plenary by the Speaker, following a report of the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges chaired by the Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
Presenting the report, the committee described Udemezue’s action as “unparliamentary” and recommended that “he should not be seen within the assembly for the period of the suspension.” It also ruled that the lawmaker would forfeit his salary within the three months.
The suspension stemmed from a WhatsApp message allegedly shared by Udemezue in a group mainly populated by his constituents. In the message, he reportedly disclosed his allowances as a legislator and added that lawmakers receive ₦10 million quarterly from the state government for constituency projects. The disclosure, according to assembly members, was damaging and angered his colleagues.
But reacting, Udemezue defended his action, insisting he was only being transparent with his people.
He said: “I did nothing wrong. My sole aim of revealing my emoluments was to update my constituents on my stay in the assembly.”
The lawmaker further alleged that he was being punished for exposing how constituency project funds were managed.
“I am only being victimised because I revealed that lawmakers collect ₦10 million quarterly for projects in their constituency. Some of them pocket theirs. That is why they are angry about the revelation,” he declared.
David-Chyddy Eleke
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