By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Honourable Bernard Udemezue, for three months without pay over alleged unparliamentary conduct, and warned that he should not be seen within the Assembly for the period of the suspension.
The decision followed the consideration of a report presented by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges chaired by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
The State House also directed the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Hon. Bernard Udemezue, to tender a public apology to the Speaker, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, and members of the 8th Assembly over what was described as unparliamentary actions capable of denting the image of the legislature.
According to the resolutions, Honorable Udemezue must issue the apology within five working days through his official social media platforms.
On the grave allegations linking the Anambra State Government to the kidnap and subsequent murder of late Hon. Justice Azuka, as well as an alleged impeachment plot, the Assembly urged the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Security Service to immediately commence investigations, noting that Honourable Udemezue may have vital information to assist security agencies in unraveling the matter.
The House further resolved that Hon. Udemezue be suspended for three months without pay for his unparliamentary conduct which could be reviewed if he fails to comply with the House’s resolutions or if such conduct continues.
According to the resolution, the Ayamelum lawmaker is to undergo special training sessions and workshops on parliamentary ethics, practices, and duties, while members were also cautioned to strictly adhere to the Standing Orders of the House and conduct themselves properly, especially in public places.
The Assembly emphasized that social media platforms cannot be considered appropriate channels for conducting legislative business, particularly for lawmakers.
- Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
