Amid safety concerns, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has swiftly mandated the immediate relocation of the State House of Assembly’s sessions to the Auditorium within the Administrative Block of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
This decisive move, outlined in the official Gazette of the Rivers State Government 001-2023, comes in response to the perilous condition of the current Assembly complex, deemed hazardous to the lives of both staff and legislators.
The governor’s directive follows closely on the heels of a significant legal development, wherein a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt granted an interim injunction restraining certain members, aligned with a particular faction, from assuming legislative roles.
This judicial action stems from an exparte order filed against these legislators by supporters of the governor, underscoring the ongoing power struggle within the state’s political landscape.
Citing the tragic fire incident that ravaged the Assembly chambers on October 29, 2023, Governor Fubara’s gazette reads, “The On the 29th day of October 2023, a fire incident occasioned by unknown persons burnt and damaged the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That the Hallowed Chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly in its present state is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly and Thus not conducive for the business and proceeding of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That it is expedient to carry out urgent repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of the burnt an damaged chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That it is further reasonable to ensure that the business and proceedings of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not impeded and frustrated.
“NOW THEREFORE, I SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State this 30th day of October 2023, Pursuant to the powers vested in me under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) hereby ISSUE, ORDER, AND DIRECT that all proceedings and business of Rivers State House of Assembly shall temporarily take place at the Auditorium, Admin Block, Government House, Port Harcourt until the repairs, renovation or reconstruction of the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly are completed.”
