LP NASS Caucus condemns suspension of Anambra Lawmaker
…Tells Soludo to address issues raised by Udemezue
…calls for fair hearing
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
The Labour Party National Assembly Caucus from Anambra North Senatorial zone has condemned the recent suspension of Hon. Abuchi Udemezue by the Anambra State House of Assembly, over his recent critical remarks against the Anambra state government, describing the move as hasty and high-handed.
Hon. Udemezue had raised concerns over the egregious infrastructure decay in his gas-producing locality of Ayamelum, holding both the companies and the state government accountable.
He demanded that his constituents, who have contributed significantly to the state’s revenue, deserve better infrastructure and tangible dividends from democracy, given the wealth generated from their land.
In a swift reaction the Anambra State House of Assembly handed Hon. Udemezue a three months suspension without salary for what they described as gross misconduct.
The LP Anambra North caucus in a jointly signed by Senator Tony Nwoye and Afam Ogene read: “Our democracy thrives on robust debate, constructive criticism and diversity of opinions. Silencing opposition voices through hasty suspension sets a dangerous precedent that should concern every Nigerian, regardless of Party affiliation.”
The LP lawmakers said they believed that Hon. Abuchi Udemezue was being gagged because he spoke against the illegal utilization of local government funds belonging to his Ayamelum council area by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“His voice lends credence to our cries and agitation in recent times for the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgement on financial autonomy for the LGAs, which requires State Governments to allow Local Governments manage their funds accruing from the Federation account.
“While we do not condone the use of unparliamentary language by Hon. Abuchi Udemezue or anyone else, we believe that the State government’s decision to influence the reconvening of the House of Assembly during its yearly vacation, so as to hastily suspend him, was overly hasty and disregarded the fundamental principle of fair hearing. The suspension was carried out without adequate notice, undermining the element of natural justice embodied in the maxim ‘audi alteram partem’ – hear the other side.”
“We expect the APGA-led Government under Prof Chukwuma Soludo to address the pressing issues of marginalization and infrastructure decay in Ayamelum local government area which Hon. Udemezue highlighted, irrespective of the unparliamentary and uncouth language(s) used in his speeches and interviews.
“Depriving the people of Ayamelum Local Government Area of representation in the State Assembly due to this controversial suspension is unfair and undemocratic.
“We humbly urge the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly to revisit the suspension and ensure Hon. Abuchi Udemezue is accorded fair hearing. If found guilty, any disciplinary action should be taken in a transparent and lawful manner. We must work together to protect the integrity of our democratic institutions.
“In the same spirit, we urge the Assembly and the State Government to address the very weighty allegations made by Hon. Udemezue, so that they are not swept under the carpet.
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