The political development in Rivers State took a new twist on Friday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed the relocation of the State Assembly sitting to the Auditorium, Admin Block of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In making the decision, the Governor issued the Executive Order of the Rivers State Government 001-2023.
Governor Fubara in taking the decision, said the current state of the Assembly Complex is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the lawmakers.
Recall that a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, earlier on Friday had granted an interim injunction barring Martin Amaewhule, the speaker of the Assembly loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and 24 other members from parading themselves as legislators.
The court’s decision emanated from an exparte order filed against the pro-Wike lawmakers by the Speaker loyal to Fubara, Victor Oko Jumbo and three of his colleagues.
The governor’s official gazette reads, “That 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.”