Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has issued an executive order mandating the immediate temporary relocation of the State House of Assembly sitting to the Auditorium, Admin Block of the Government House, Port Harcourt.
This directive, outlined in the State’s official Gazette under Executive Order 001-2023, comes as a response to concerns over the safety of the current House of Assembly complex.
Governor Fubara emphasized that the decision to relocate was prompted by the precarious state of the current assembly complex, which poses a significant threat to the lives of both staff and lawmakers. Acknowledging the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved, the governor deemed this action necessary for the continued functioning of the legislative body.
The timing of this relocation order coincides with recent legal developments within the state. Just hours prior to the governor’s directive, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt issued an interim injunction restraining Martin Amaewhule, the pro-Wike speaker of the state House of Assembly, and 24 other members from acting as legislators. This court ruling was a result of an ex parte order filed against the pro-Wike lawmakers by Victor Oko Jumbo, the pro-Siminialayi Fubara speaker, and three others.
The governor’s official gazette further cited a significant incident that occurred on October 29, 2023, where a fire of unknown origin ravaged and damaged the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This incident underscores the urgent need for a safer and more secure environment for conducting legislative affairs.
