Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has issued an executive order to temporarily relocate the State House of Assembly sitting to the Auditorium, Admin Block of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor’s decision, outlined in the official Gazette, Executive Order of the Rivers State Government 001-2023, is motivated by concerns over the safety of the current House of Assembly complex, which poses a threat to the lives of the staff and lawmakers.
The relocation order comes shortly after a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt granted an interim injunction restraining the pro-Wike speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 other members from assuming legislative roles. The court’s decision was a response to 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 explains that the House of Assembly chambers were damaged by a fire incident on October 29, 2023, caused by unknown individuals.
As a result, urgent repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of the chambers are necessary to ensure the safety of the staff and members. In order to prevent any hindrance to the proceedings and functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the governor’s executive order mandates that all business and sessions take place temporarily at the Auditorium, Admin Block, Government House, Port Harcourt until the repairs, renovation, or reconstruction of the chambers are completed.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s directive aims to prioritize the safety and continuity of the State House of Assembly’s operations while necessary renovations are carried out.