The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended Hon. Bernard Udemezue, member representing Ayamelum Constituency, for three months without pay after he revealed on social media that lawmakers receive ₦10 million quarterly for constituency projects.
Udemezue defended his post as a transparency move, accusing colleagues of punishing him for exposing alleged diversion of funds.
The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended Hon. Bernard Udemezue, member representing Ayamelum Constituency, for allegedly making “unparliamentary” posts on social media.
During plenary on Tuesday, August 26, the House adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, led by Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme. The committee found Udemezue guilty of disclosing details of lawmakers’ allowances in a WhatsApp group with his constituents.
According to reports, Udemezue revealed that each lawmaker receives ₦10 million quarterly for constituency projects. The disclosure did not sit well with his colleagues, who described the act as damaging to the image of the Assembly.
As part of the sanction, Udemezue was suspended for three months without pay and barred from accessing the Assembly premises within the suspension period.
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker insisted that he only shared the information in line with his campaign promise of transparency. He accused some of his colleagues of diverting public funds meant for constituency projects, adding that his suspension was a punishment for speaking the truth.
Meanwhile, the suspension has sparked mixed reactions among residents and political observers in the state, with some praising Udemezue for his openness while others argue he breached Assembly rules.
