Anambra Assembly Summons PDP Lawmaker Over Social Media Allegations.
The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned Hon. Bernard Udemezue, the lawmaker representing Ayamelum Constituency, to address controversial social media posts in which he alleged marginalisation in the distribution of constituency allowances. The decision was made during a plenary session in Awka on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, with the House describing the posts as “damaging content” that threatened its reputation and the safety of its members.
Udemezue, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who notably arrived at the Assembly in a tricycle to highlight his constituency’s challenges, claimed that Ayamelum was overlooked in the allocation of funds meant for constituency projects. The motion to summon him was moved by Hon. Tony Muobike, representing Aguata 2 Constituency, who labelled Udemezue’s comments as “maliciously damaging” to the House’s image. Muobike argued that such public statements could undermine the unity and credibility of the legislature.
Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the session, referred the matter to the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges for further investigation. The committee has been directed to report its findings by the next plenary session on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. Udeze emphasised the need for lawmakers to uphold decorum and resolve grievances through internal channels rather than public platforms.
The summons has sparked varied reactions, with some posts on X suggesting that Udemezue’s actions reflect broader frustrations among opposition lawmakers in the APGA-dominated Assembly. Others have questioned the Assembly’s response, viewing it as an attempt to stifle dissent. Udemezue, who unseated the former Speaker Uchenna Okafor in the 2023 elections, has yet to comment publicly on the summons.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Anambra State House of Assembly, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds 17 of the 30 seats, while the PDP and other opposition parties hold the remainder. As the committee prepares to review the case, the outcome could set a precedent for how social media disputes are handled within Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
