From CHARLES ONYEKWERE,AWKA
Member representing Ayamelum Constituency and Anambra State House of Assembly, Benard Udemezue has been suspended for three months without salary.
Udemezue was sanctioned after he publicly disclosed the emoluments of House members on social media.
The suspension was officially announced yesterday during plenary at the Assembly chambers by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze.
According to the speaker, Udemezue’s actions on social media were deemed damaging to the integrity and image of the House.
It would be recalled that the lawmaker had, in a WhatsApp message shared in a group largely populated by his constituents, revealed details of his allowances as a legislator.
He also disclosed that each member receives N10 million quarterly from the state government for constituency projects.
This revelation reportedly did not sit well with other members of the House.
His suspension followed the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, chaired by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Ikenna Ofodeme.
The committee described Udemezue’s conduct as “unparliamentary” and recommended that he be barred from accessing the Assembly complex for the duration of the suspension.
Udemezue, who has been vocal on social media in his criticism of the Assembly’s leadership, maintained that he had done nothing wrong.
According to him, his intention in disclosing his earnings was to keep his constituents informed about his activities and transparency in public office.
He alleged that his suspension was an act of victimisation, insisting that he was targeted for revealing that lawmakers receive N10 million quarterly for constituency projects.
He claimed that some lawmakers divert the funds for personal use, which, he argued, explains the backlash against his disclosure.
