Anambra: YPP Governorship Candidate Chukwuma Condemns Suspension of Anyamelum Lawmaker
Sir Paul Chukwuma and Hon. Bernard Udemezue
The governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) for the November 8 gubernatorial election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has strongly condemned the suspension of Hon. Bernard Udemezue, the lawmaker representing Anyamelum Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
In a statement personally issued on Wednesday, Sir Paul Chukwuma described the suspension as a state-backed attempt to suppress opposing voices and dissent within the legislative arm of government.
According to him, the Anambra State House of Assembly has effectively lost its constitutional authority to engage in free debate, provide critical oversight of the executive, and discharge its full responsibilities as an independent and essential arm of the state government.
The statement reads:
“In a democracy, dictatorship begins with silencing the people and their representatives under various pretenses. Once this is achieved, the judiciary often becomes the next casualty.
“Regrettably, under Governor Charles Soludo, Anambra State has slipped into dictatorship. The suspension of Hon. Bernard Udemezue is symptomatic of a deeper rot in the political system a decay orchestrated and deepened by the current chief executive.
“At present, the House of Assembly no longer enjoys the freedom to deliberate openly or provide direction to the governor. There are credible reports suggesting that Governor Soludo has forbidden the House from discussing any motion related to security. Meanwhile, the level of insecurity in Anambra has escalated beyond alarming, yet the Assembly remains silent.
“The situation is so dire that the kidnapping of a sitting member, the late Hon. Justice Azuka, was never even mentioned during plenary. This silence is also evident in the House’s failure to address the unlawful conduct of groups like Agunechemba and SASA. In essence, the legislature in Anambra State has collapsed.
“Unfortunately, the judiciary fares no better. Under Soludo’s administration, the Anambra State Judicial Service Commission embarked on industrial action over credible, labor-related demands all of which have been ignored to date. Similarly, the Anambra State Parliamentary Association went on strike over issues concerning the implementation of the House of Assembly Service Commission Law but were coerced and manipulated into returning to work by the Governor.
“To further illustrate the extent of dictatorship in the state, Soludo deploys his private militia thugs operating under the names ‘Akaodo’ and ‘Agunechemba’ to unleash violence on Ndi Anambra. Despite widespread complaints about their activities, they continue to operate with the governor’s full backing. Innocent citizens are being abused and killed with impunity.
“Executive Council meetings have become one-sided lectures, with little to no input from commissioners, who are reportedly treated with less regard than assistant clerks.
“Insecurity is handled with disturbing nonchalance. Meanwhile, Ndi Anambra, including traders, professionals, and even lawmakers , suffer daily under a climate of fear and chaos. This is the direct result of Soludo’s failure to provide genuine leadership.
“The suspension of Hon. Bernard Udemezue must be seen for what it truly is: a calculated move by Governor Soludo to expand his dictatorship and silence opposition, criticism, and dissenting voices.
“This action signals a broader plan to intimidate other members of the House and stifle any voice of reason in Anambra State.
“If such authoritarian measures are taking place during Soludo’s first term, one can only imagine the extent of the damage if he were to secure a second term.”Ndi Anambra must rise up.”There is hope.
“The YPP is driven by a commitment to restore joy, order, and effective governance in Anambra State. We will fix this state and return it to the people — Ndi Anambra.
