*Fubara Relocates Assembly Sitting To Govt House

THE Rivers State Police Command has explained its heavy presence at the premises of the state House of Assembly Quarters, saying it was to ensure there is peace and forestall breakdown of law and order.

Recall that on Friday, May 11, about 35 fully armed police men were sited, with their vans blocking the entrance gates the Assembly Quarters on the Port Harcourt-Aba expressway, barely one day after Governor Siminalayi Fubara visited the facility in a bid to ascertain the condition of the buildings.

The unscheduled visit attracted apprehension from the resident lawmakers, who wondered about the real reason for the visit, with members of the Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, insisting that the buildings were not due for renovation.

Bit the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), who gave the clarification in a press statement Port Harcourt in a press statement, said: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to clarify the recent reports regarding our presence at the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters.

“Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible breakdown of order.

“We assure the public that there is no cause for alarm and all individuals are encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear.

“Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.”

Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has gazetted an Executive Order moving the Assembly’s sitting to Government House.

     The Executive Order 001, dated October 30, last year, said the sitting of the lawmakers would henceforth take place at the Government House until the Assembly complex, which was razed last October is renovated.

It read: “That on the 29th day of October 2023, a fire incident occasioned by unknown persons burned 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 the 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 and 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, 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.”

Gazetting of the order comes in the midst of the renewed political crisis in the state and less than 24 hours after a state high court sacked the 27 former PDP members of the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, from parading themselves as members of the Assembly, having lost their seats following their defection to the APC.