….warn of threat to democracy
…urge Governor to tackle neglect in Ayamelum instead of silencing dissent
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Anambra State Labour Party (LP) caucus of National Assembly has blasted Governor Charles Soludo and the Anambra State House of Assembly over the suspension of Hon. Abuchi Udemezue, describing the move as “a dangerous assault on democracy” and an attempt to gag opposition voices.
Hon. Udemezue, who represents Ayamelum Constituency in the State Assembly, was suspended on allegations of making critical remarks against the state government.
His comments had drawn attention to what he termed “egregious infrastructure decay” in Ayamelum, a gas-producing area that he said had contributed immensely to the state’s economy but remained neglected.
He accused both oil companies operating in the locality and the Anambra State Government of failing to provide commensurate development for his constituents, despite the wealth generated from their land.
Rather than respond to the concerns raised, the LP lawmakers alleged, the House of Assembly hurriedly reconvened from its annual recess to suspend Udemezue, allegedly at the prompting of Governor Charles Soludo.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Awka on Thursday, August 28, 2025, and jointly signed by Senator Tony Nwoye, Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Idu Emeka, and Hon. Peter Aniekwe, the LP caucus said the move amounted to an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the state.
“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 caucus warned.
The lawmakers alleged that Udemezue’s real offence was his insistence on financial transparency and his criticism of what he described as the “illegal utilisation of local government funds” belonging to Ayamelum LGA.
“His voice lends credence to our agitation for the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for LGAs, which mandates state governments to allow local councils manage their allocations from the Federation Account,” the statement read.
While acknowledging that the lawmaker may have used unparliamentary language in his criticisms, the caucus faulted the process leading to his suspension, insisting that it violated the principle of fair hearing.
“The decision to influence the reconvening of the House of Assembly during its yearly vacation, solely to suspend him, was rash and disregarded natural justice, encapsulated in the maxim ‘audi alteram partem’ – hear the other side,” the statement added.
The caucus called on the Anambra State Government to urgently address the allegations raised by Udemezue instead of sweeping them under the carpet.
“Depriving the people of Ayamelum LGA of representation due to this controversial suspension is unfair and undemocratic. We humbly urge the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly to revisit the decision and accord Hon. Udemezue fair hearing. If found guilty, any disciplinary action should be transparent and lawful,” the lawmakers stated.
They further urged Governor Soludo to focus on tackling the issues of marginalization and infrastructural decay in Ayamelum rather than stifling dissent.
“The APGA-led administration under Professor Soludo must address the pressing concerns of neglect and underdevelopment in Ayamelum, which Hon. Udemezue raised, irrespective of his choice of language,” the caucus concluded.
The statement was jointly signed by the Anambra North Labour Party National Assembly Caucus comprising Senator Tony Nwoye, Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Idu Emeka, and Hon. Peter Aniekwe.