Anambra assembly suspends lawmaker for continued

From Obinna Odogwu and Emmanuel Uzor, Awka

Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges has suspended the member representing Ayamelum State Constituency, Bernard Udemezue, for alleged parliamentary conduct, inciting comments on social media and gross abuse of legislative privileges.

The committee, in a detailed report presented during plenary on Monday, August 25, 2025, recommended that the lawmaker be suspended for three months without pay, issue a public apology and undergo compulsory training on parliamentary ethics and practices.

The matter arose following a motion of urgent public importance moved on August 19, 2025, by Tony Muobuike and seconded by Jude Ngobili, which accused Udemezue of using his social media platforms to make inciting comments capable of disturbing public peace and bringing disrespect to the House.

In its report, the committee noted that Udemezue was formally invited to appear before it to clarify the allegations but failed to honour the invitation. Instead, he allegedly mocked the process by posting the letter of invitation on his WhatsApp status accompanied with a song titled “Ndi Ara,” (mad people).

The committee further cited several petitions and reports against the lawmaker, ranging from allegations of intimidation and threats to colleagues on the Assembly’s WhatsApp group, to petitions by legal practitioners and private citizens accusing him of threats to life, unlawful interference and abuse of office.

The Security Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University also accused him of misconduct and use of force. The committee observed that during his tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland and Boundary Affairs, Udemezue was alleged to have used his position to secure the release of suspected cultists and assailants.

Records also showed that between June 2024 and June 2025, he was absent for 43 out of 57 plenary sittings and was habitually late whenever he attended. Most strikingly, the report noted that the lawmaker “outrightly fingered the State Government in the kidnap and murder of late Justice Azuka,” a former member representing Onitsha North I, linking the incident to an alleged impeachment plot against the Governor.

In its recommendations, the committee ordered Udemezue to tender a public apology to the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udezue and to members of the Assembly, both in writing and across his social media platforms within five working days.

It further directed that he be suspended from legislative duties for a period of three months without pay and barred from the Assembly Complex throughout the suspension. The report also called on the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Service in Anambra State to investigate the lawmaker’s claims concerning the alleged plot and the murder of Azuka.

The committee condemned Udemezue’s actions as a gross abuse of the oath of office and a ridicule of the institution of the House of Assembly. According to the report, “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 recommendations, signed by the Chairman, Ofodeme Ikenna and 10 other members, are to be considered by the full House for adoption.

But, speaking to journalists after he was summoned, the embattled lawmaker said that he was only trying to fulfil one of his campaign promises to his constituents.

He said: “Yes, I posted something on social media. That was my constituency’s empowerment fund and my overhead allowance.

“I did so because before the election, I promised my people that I will be transparent. I also swore before God that if it is for my selfish aim that I was contesting, I should not win, but if it is for the good of the people, victory should be mine.

“Who am I to defeat a sitting speaker in an election? It was because of that that I decided to be transparent.

“I posted on my social media platform, telling my people what I get as allowance for my personal use and this is what I get for you.

“I told them plainly that every three months, I get N7.5 million from the government for them and it was later increased to N10 million.

“But my colleagues decided to summon me because they are not happy that I revealed this. They are not happy that I made it known that the N10 million is for the people and not for the lawmakers.”

Speaking further, the legislator absolved himself of all blames, making it clear that he did nothing wrong by informing his constituents of what accrues to them through his representation.

Yesterday’s plenary session where Udemezue was suspended was presided over by Speaker of the Assembly, Udeze.