Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a directive for the immediate transfer of the Rivers State House of Assembly sessions to the Government House, Port Harcourt.
This directive is outlined in the official Gazette, Executive Order of the Rivers State Government 001-2023. As per the order, lawmakers will convene at the Auditorium, Admin Block of the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara justified his decision by citing the unsafe condition of the current House of Assembly complex, which he believes poses a threat to the lives of the staff and legislators.
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has granted an interim injunction restraining Martin Amaewhule, the pro-Wike speaker of the state House of Assembly, and 24 other members from representing themselves as legislators.
This decision follows an ex parte order filed against the pro-Wike lawmakers by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the pro-Siminialayi Fubara speaker, and three others.
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The governor’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.”
