By Peter Omopo
28th August 2025 | Abuja
Labour Party (LP) lawmakers from Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly have condemned the recent suspension of Abuchi Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
In a statement released Thursday, the caucus—comprising Senator Tony Nwoye, Afam Ogene, Idu Emeka, and Peter Aniekwe—described the suspension as “hasty and high-handed,” alleging it followed Udemezue’s vocal criticism of infrastructure decay in his gas-producing constituency and calls for accountability from both companies and the state government.
“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,” the statement read.
The LP lawmakers argued that Udemezue’s suspension, reportedly influenced by the state governor, disregarded the principles of natural justice. They said it deprived Ayamelum residents of representation and urged the Assembly to provide the lawmaker a fair hearing.
“While we do not condone the use of unparliamentary language by Abuchi Udemezue, the state government’s decision to reconvene the House of Assembly during its yearly vacation to suspend him was overly hasty,” the statement added.
Udemezue was suspended for three months over remarks on social media criticizing the marginalisation of his constituency and demanding better infrastructure and dividends from the wealth generated in the area.
The LP caucus further called on the Assembly and the APGA-led state government under Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to address the issues highlighted by Udemezue, including the proper utilisation of local government funds and the enforcement of Supreme Court rulings on local government financial autonomy.
“Depriving the people of Ayamelum of representation is unfair and undemocratic. Any disciplinary action should be conducted transparently and lawfully,” the lawmakers stressed.
The caucus concluded by urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and ensure that concerns raised by lawmakers representing their constituents are addressed rather than ignored.
