After being denied new official cars three months after their inauguration, Bernard Udemezue, a representative for the Ayamelum Constituency, was observed driving a tricycle (Keke) to travel to work but was stopped by security personnel.
All attempts by Udemezue and those who recognized him as a lawmaker were unsuccessful because security guards on duty forbade him admission into the Assembly compound, causing a commotion.
It was learnt that Udemezue is the most popular grassroots politician who defeated the former Speaker, Uche Okafor, in the 2023 general election.
In a viral video, Udemezue was seen protesting his stoppage by security operatives at the gate, saying: “Have you given me a car? I’m using what I have.”
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Reacting to the development, a respondent, who chose to remain anonymous said: “Our society appears to be against humble public office holders, who are willing to keep their lifestyles low and join in the burden of common people in the face of mounting economic challenges.
“People are frequently the ones who compel politicians and public officials to live noisy and costly lifestyles.
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“Recently, Udemezue was stopped at the entry gate of the House of Assembly complex by security guards who didn’t recognise him as a legislator because he was not riding an exotic car. He was stopped because he is not allowed to enter the complex with Keke.
“Udemezue has kept a modest profile and avoided a boisterous lifestyle since his early days, even before becoming a legislator.
“Since the state government was yet to make available their official cars, he opted to use a tricycle to work.
(Guardian)