BREAKING: Anambra Assembly Suspends Lawmaker Over Social Media Posts
- Local News
- 27.08.2025
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Anambra Assembly Suspends Lawmaker Over Social Media Posts
Hon. Bernard Udemezue, the lawmaker representing Ayamelum Constituency,
for a period of three months. The suspension, which was made public during Tuesday’s plenary,
followed a heated debate sparked by some controversial social media posts allegedly made by the legislator.
According to the Speaker of the House, the lawmaker’s posts were deemed to have violated
the ethics of the legislature and brought disrepute to the Assembly. The suspension was
therefore passed as a disciplinary measure to serve both as a punishment and a deterrent to other members.
Hon. Udemezue’s conduct on social media was unbecoming of a public official. The motion
received overwhelming support from members, leading to a unanimous resolution to suspend him.
As part of the suspension, Hon. Udemezue will be barred from participating in legislative
proceedings, committees, and official duties of the House for the next three months.
This decision, the leadership stressed, was in line with the Assembly’s commitment to
upholding discipline and decorum within its ranks.
revealed that the comments allegedly made by the lawmaker were critical of the
Assembly’s leadership and certain policies of the state government. The posts, which
circulated widely on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), were said to have sparked
embarrassment and controversy, prompting calls for disciplinary action.
Political analysts suggest that this move reflects the Assembly’s intolerance for
what it considers disrespectful or damaging remarks against its image. However,
critics argue that the suspension might infringe on freedom of expression and
could be politically motivated.
News of the suspension has triggered widespread reactions across social media
lawmakers, as public representatives, must be held accountable for their public
statements. They believe that Hon. Udemezue crossed ethical boundaries by making
posts that could undermine the credibility of the House.
On the other hand, critics contend that the suspension is excessive and a
violation of democratic principles. Some argue that as an elected representative,
the lawmaker has a right to express his views, even if they challenge the status quo.
The debate has once again highlighted the tension between legislative discipline and
freedom of speech in Nigerian politics.
statement in response to his suspension. However, close aides suggest that he may
challenge the decision, either by appealing within the Assembly or seeking legal redress.
Sources close to the lawmaker also hinted that he considers the move a political witch-hunt
aimed at silencing dissent within the Assembly. If this claim is confirmed, the suspension
could deepen divisions within the state legislature and spark further controversies in
the coming weeks.
within the State Assembly. For the next three months, Hon. Udemezue will be unable to
participate in legislative debates, push constituency projects, or defend the interests
of his people during plenary sessions.
Some residents of Ayamelum have expressed concerns that the suspension will negatively
affect development initiatives in the constituency. Others, however, believe that the
controversy could bring more attention to the area, depending on how the lawmaker
handles the situation moving forward.
The suspension of lawmakers over controversial comments is not new in Nigeria.
warnings to outright suspension for actions deemed to undermine the dignity of their respective Houses. While these measures are often justified on the grounds of maintaining order, they frequently ignite debates about the limits of legislative power.
Analysts argue that assemblies must strike a balance between protecting their image
and respecting democratic freedoms. Overreliance on suspension as a. disciplinary to could discourage lawmakers from speaking out on sensitive issues, thereby weakening legislative oversight functions.
whether he accepts the punishment quietly or decides to challenge it. His next steps
could either ease tensions within the House or escalate the conflict further.
For now, the Anambra Assembly has maintained that its decision is final and was
made in the best interest of preserving the dignity of the legislature.
Political observers will be watching closely to see how the lawmaker, his supporters,
and the public respond to this unfolding development.
