By Chizoba Okeke
Anambra State House of Assembly has resumed plenary after a long recess. The Speaker, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, extended congratulatory message to the Senator-elect for Anambra South Senatorial District, Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, and the Member-elect for Onitsha North Constituency One, Mimi Azikiwe (Esq) for their victories in last Saturday’s election.
Commending the peaceful conduct of the polls, the Speaker urged Assembly members to demonstrate greater commitment to their legislative duties.
He also appreciated the management and staff of the Assembly for their contributions to the successes recorded so far and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.
Furthermore, the State House of Assembly has summoned the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Hon Bernard Udemezue for sharing damaging contents on social media.
The House passed the resolution at plenary on Tuesday, following a matter of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Aguata 2 constituency, Hon Tony Mobike and seconded by the Chief Whip, and member representing Ihiala one Constituency, Hon. Jude Ngobili.
Hon Muobike contended that the lawmaker’s comments on social media did not only damage the reputation of the House, but also threaten the safety of House members.
Dr. Muobike before laying his documented evidence, prayed the House to investigate into the matter to avoid further escalation.
” I’m drawing the attention of the house to an ugly situation and if not taking care of, will damage the image and reputation of this house.
” One of our member, Hon Bernard Udemezue, representing Ayamelum Constituency, few days now, have been on the social media, making comments that are maliciously damaging the image of this house.
” Most of the comments are threatening the safety of the members of this 8th Assembly. It is a serious situation.
” Am calling on this honourable house to investigate this ugly situation to avoid further escalation.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru one), drew the attention of the house to Order Seven of the House’s Standing Order, asking the House to take a decision on her member who has allegedly abused such privileges.
They maintained that the posts of Udemezue is capable of causing breach of public peace and threat to other colleagues’ lives, hence the need to address the matter to avoid being escalated. He should be invited.
The Speaker, who presided over the plenary, referred the matter to House Committee on Rules, Businesses, Ethics and Privileges and to report back to the House on Tuesday next week.
- Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
