By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Anambra State House of Assembly, Thursday, reinstated the suspended member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Hon Bernard Udemezue after six months.
Udemezue, first timer elected under the platform of People's Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended for three months following recommendation by the Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges on August 26, 2025, over alleged parliamentary conduct, using social media to incite and gross abuse of legislative privileges.
The suspension which was meant to last for three months without pay, was on November 26, 2025, prolonged to another three months because of the lawmaker's alleged refusal to adhere to the guidelines given to him such as to issue a public apology, avoid visit to the Assembly complex, among others.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, while lifting the suspension on Thursday plenary, said the lawmaker would start receiving payment from March 2026, as well as attend legislative functions and access the Assembly complex.
Udeze had on 17th February, 2026 directed the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges to review the Assembly's Resolution No. ANHA/RES/2025/29 of 26th November, 2025, bothering on the "Unparliamentary Activities of Hon Udemezue," in order to establish whether or not the lawmaker complied with the provisions of the said House Resolution.
The Chairman, House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme who doubles as the Majority Leader of the House, said the committee met and thoroughly reviewed the said resolutions to determine he level of compliance by Hon Bernard Udemezue.
According to him, Hon Udemezue had complied with the provisions of the House Resolution by apologising to Mr Speaker and members of the 8th Assembly within the five (5) days given to him in a letter dated 27th November 2025 with ref no ANHA/014/033, avoided the premises of Anambra State House of Assembly Awka during the three months second batch suspension.
According to the Majority Leader, Udemezue has requested for reinstatement, including for his allowances to be paid, and him to be allowed full access to the Anambra State House of Assembly complex to rejoin his colleagues.
Hon Noble Igwe of Ogbaru 1 Constituency, moved a motion for the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Rules, Ethics and Privileges, and was seconded by Hon Tony Mobike representing Aguata 2 constituency.
As a result, the suspended lawmaker is expected to resume his Legislative duties from next week.