The Rivers State government has provided clarification on the ongoing demolition of its House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt. Amid speculations of political motives behind the bulldozing, Commissioner for Information Joseph Johnson emphasized that the decision was prompted by structural defects following a fire incident in October.
A section of the complex was engulfed in flames on October 30, with allegations of a plot to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Johnson explained that the detonation of explosives during the fire compromised the building’s foundation, leading to visible cracks and rendering it unsafe for legislative activities.
Experts advised against using the compromised structure, and, as a result, the government opted to demolish it. The commissioner assured that a temporary chamber has been provided for the House of Assembly’s use while plans for the complex’s reconstruction are underway.
The development coincides with the recent defection of 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Notably, political tensions between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), add complexity to the situation.
