Governor Siminalayi Fubara has enacted an executive order for the immediate and temporary transfer of the Rivers State House of Assembly sessions to the Government House’s Auditorium in Port Harcourt.
This directive, documented in the Rivers State Government’s Executive Order 001-2023, is a response to safety concerns regarding the current Assembly complex, which is deemed hazardous for staff and legislators.
The relocation order follows closely on the heels of a legal development where the Rivers State High Court issued a temporary injunction.
This court order prevents the pro-Wike speaker, Martin Amaewhule, along with 24 other assembly members, from assuming their legislative roles.
The judicial action originates from an exparte motion brought forth by Victor Oko Jumbo, a speaker aligned with Governor Fubara, and three additional plaintiffs.
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.”
