The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria), a leading environmental and human rights organization in Nigeria, strongly condemns the recent press conference organized by individuals under the guise of Ayamelum Youths, which called for the suspension of Hon. Abuchi Bernard Udemezue, Member representing Ayamelum Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
FENRAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, described the act as a politically motivated attempt to distract from legitimate governance concerns raised by the lawmaker and a dangerous step toward silencing dissent in a democratic society.
“It is on record that many of the constituency projects and initiatives mentioned by the youth group during the press conference are already part of Hon. Udemezue’s documented development agenda for Ayamelum Constituency. These include infrastructure improvements, educational support, healthcare access, and youth empowerment programs—all of which have been publicly communicated and are at various stages of implementation.” FENRAD Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor said in a statement on Wednesday.
The organization while expressing concern over the press conference said, it appears the conference was part of a coordinated effort to undermine a lawmaker who has chosen the path of transparency by revealing how public funds—including constituency allowances—are disbursed and utilized.
“Rather than interrogate these issues, the so-called youth group has chosen to attack the messenger, ignoring the substance of the allegations and the need for institutional accountability.
“We find it deeply troubling that young people, who should be champions of good governance and civic responsibility, are being deployed as tools to attack a sitting lawmaker who dared to speak up,” said Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria. “This is not only dangerous to democratic growth but could also incite civic unrest and erode public trust in governance.”
FENRAD said they viewed the move as ill-advised, counterproductive, and potentially harmful to the broader pursuit of transparency, accountability, and good governance in Anambra State.
According to FENRAD, “Hon. Udemezue’s public disclosure of constituency allowance details and his courageous commentary on the unresolved death of his late colleague, Hon. Justice Azuka, were not only in the public interest but essential in opening critical conversations about accountability within the legislature. Rather than vilify him, FENRAD believes his actions should be met with institutional reforms and independent investigations—not reprisals.
“It is disheartening that at a time when Nigeria is struggling to strengthen democratic institutions and promote transparency, a youth group would lend itself to silencing the very voices championing accountability,” said Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria. “Youth movements should be the vanguard of change, not tools for intimidation.”
FENRAD reiterates that whistleblower protection is a vital pillar of democratic governance. The attempt to suppress Hon. Udemezue sets a dangerous precedent and contradicts the spirit of openness and civic engagement that young Nigerians have continually fought for.
FENRAD warns against the mobilization of youth groups for political vendettas or to cause public disorder. We call on security agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society groups in Anambra State to monitor such developments closely and prevent any breakdown of law and order in Ayamelum or elsewhere.
Making their position known, FENRAD in a statement rejected the call for Hon. Abuchi Udemezue’s suspension.
“We demand an independent, transparent investigation into the allegations raised by the lawmaker, particularly regarding the suspicious death of his colleague, Hon. Justice Azuka.
“We urge the youth of Anambra State to reject manipulation and stand for truth, equity, and development.
“We call on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the protection of whistleblowers and safeguard democratic principles within the state legislature.
“The future of Anambra State cannot be built on secrecy, intimidation, and the criminalization of truth. Youth must rise to defend democracy—not become its undoing.”
