Hon. Udemezue,
The Anambra State House of Assembly is considering suspending Hon. Abuchi Bernard Udemezue, who represents Ayamelum Constituency, for publicly revealing his constituency allowance and exposing alleged corruption within the House.
Udemezue, in a Facebook live video, not only disclosed details of the allowances lawmakers receive but also made startling allegations about the suspicious death of former lawmaker, Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha North 1.
According to posts shared by facebook user, APGA Initiative Forum (AIF Media), Udemezue alleged that Azuka was lured to Awka under the pretense of receiving Christmas rice on December 24, 2024, just days after a failed impeachment plot against the Speaker and Governor. Azuka never returned alive.
Azuka, a Labour Party lawmaker who reclaimed his seat through a court judgment, was kidnapped at gunpoint in Onitsha.
His decomposing body was discovered in February near the Second Niger Bridge.
These revelations, along with Udemezue’s transparency about constituency funds, sparked outrage among his colleagues.
During plenary, Hon. Tony Muobike (Aguata II) moved a motion accusing Udemezue of tarnishing the image of the Assembly and endangering its members.
“He’s Been On Social Media Making Damaging And Threatening Comments. If Not Addressed, This Could Have Serious Consequences,” Muobike Warned.
Following the motion, the Assembly issued an invitation to Udemezue to appear before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges on August 21.
The invitation was signed by the committee chairman, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme.
Although the outcome of the meeting is still unknown, DAILY GAZETTE gathered that plans are underway to suspend Udemezue.
The proposed suspension has triggered backlash from civil rights activists and the public.
Many view it as an attempt to silence a whistleblower who simply upheld democratic transparency.
MonitNG, a civic accountability group, condemned the Assembly’s actions:
“Rather than celebrate this rare act of openness, the Assembly has chosen intimidation. Constituency allowances are public funds. Citizens deserve to know how they are spent.”
The group called on Governor Charles Soludo to intervene and ensure the lawmaker is not punished for promoting accountability.
“Suspending Hon. Abuchi sends a dangerous message: that transparency is a crime and secrecy is rewarded. This moment is a test of Governor Soludo’s commitment to good governance.”
