by P.C. Onuya, Esq.
Our attention has been drawn to a circular circulating around about the suspension of Hon Bernard Abuchi Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, for three months. We state categorically that the suspension offends the rule of law, natural justice, equity and good conscience and same must be set aside by court of law.
We are not surprised with the suspension because we know that it is the only thing they can do.
Hon Bernard Abuchi Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum at the Anambra State House of Assembly, was suspended for three months merely for speaking out for his people. This action is a slap in the face of democracy, and we will not allow it to stand. We will utilize all available legal means to ensure the suspension is set aside, as it offends the principles of the rule of law, natural justice, equity, and good conscience.
According to the information before us, the House leveled false accusations that are misleading and lack proof. Relying on mere allegations to suspend Hon Bernard without affording him a fair hearing, as enshrined in Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing. This suspension must be set aside by the court of law.
Hon Bernard was given only 24 hours to appear before the House to answer the allegations against him, which is not a reasonable time in the eyes of the law. The brevity of the timeframe corroborates his claims that the House lacks autonomy and is instead dancing to the whims and caprices of the Governor.
Suspending Hon Bernard without addressing the issues he raised regarding the House’s proceedings implies that his statements were true. Suspending him will not silence him; rather, it will further galvanize support for his cause.
Hon Bernard Abuchi Udemezue is one of the most vibrant lawmakers in the 8th Assembly. He was fully supported by his people, which enabled him to defeat a sitting Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Before Soludo was elected, he promised the good people of Ayamelum that he would construct the Awba Ofemili Umerum-Omor Road. The said road was awarded, but Mr. Governor stopped the project at Awba Ofemili without extending it to Umerum, citing the cost of about 5 billion Naira and claiming the state didn’t have the funds. Meanwhile, he’s holding our local government allocation of about 18 billion Naira.
Hon. Bernard Abuchi Udemezue, since his election, has been carrying out his legislative duties within the bounds of the law. He has been supporting Soludo’s administration, never playing the role of opposition to the APGA-led government, in the hope that it would encourage Mr. Governor to work in Ayamelum But yet Mr. Governor refused to work in Ayamelum. Our only access road is in a deplorable state, yet they don’t want Hon Bernard to speak up.
Hon Bernard Abuchi Udemezue has moved several motions on the floor of the House, including the construction of the Awba Ofemili Umerum-Omor Road, but the motion didn’t see the light of day because Mr. Governor, despite promising to construct the road, refused to do so.
In one of the meetings between Mr. Governor and House of Assembly members, Mr. Governor told Hon Bernard that the construction cost would be very high. Hon Bernard suggested an alternative road from Achalla to Ayamelum that would be more cost-effective. Soludo directed Hon Bernard to scope the road and submit a report. Hon Bernard used his personal funds to scope the road and submitted the report to the Governor, yet Mr. Governor refused to work on the road.
Hon Bernard Abuchi Udemezue has not violated any House rules. He has been carrying out his duties within the ambit of the law. He has never insulted any of his colleagues, and he has never conducted himself in a manner unbecoming of a legislator, as alleged.
His only offence is that he is speaking out for his people about the deplorable state of the roads and condemning some illicit activities taking place in the House. This 8th Assembly appears to be the worst House of Assembly since the creation of Anambra State. They have deviated from their legislative duties and focused on singing praises to the Governor, without any regard for the doctrine of separation of powers and checks and balances.
The good people of Ayamelum are solidly behind Hon Bernard Abuchi Udemezue. Suspending him without regard for the rule of law will not see the light of day.
Our only access road is in a deplorable state, there’s no functional hospital in Ayamelum, social amenities are lacking, and the school structures are all in a state of disrepair. Yet, they expect Hon Bernard to keep silent despite the marginalization of his constituency by the APGA-led government.
Despite his three-month suspension, Hon Bernard continues to work for his people. Yesterday, he commenced the reconstruction of two rural roads in Omor, in addition to many other ongoing projects.
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