The Anambra State House of Assembly has suspended Bernard Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, for three months over social media posts disclosing lawmakers’ earnings.
The suspension was announced during Tuesday’s plenary following the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, chaired by Majority Leader Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
The committee found Udemezue guilty of “unparliamentary conduct” after he revealed in a WhatsApp group chat that lawmakers in the state receive N10 million quarterly from the government for constituency projects. He also disclosed details of his personal allowances.
The report recommended that Udemezue be suspended for three months without pay and barred from entering the Assembly premises during the suspension period.
Udemezue, however, rejected the decision, insisting he did nothing wrong. He argued that his intention was to update his constituents on his activities in the legislature.
“I am being victimized simply for telling the truth,” he said, alleging that some lawmakers pocket their constituency funds and were angered by his revelation.
The development has sparked public debate about transparency and accountability in the management of constituency projects in Anambra State.
