A week after an explosion at the building, the Rivers State House of Assembly has remained closed owing to political tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
On Sunday, October 29, 2023, after hearing of plans to remove Governor Fubara from office, a group of people suspected of arson assaulted the Assembly and set fire to the main chamber, where the members convene for plenary.
Almost twenty-four lawmakers, led by House Speaker Martin Amaewhule, gathered in the Assembly auditorium on Monday despite the fire and started the process of impeaching the governor.
In Government House, Port Harcourt, on the same day, House Leader Edisos Ehie, who had been suspended, informed the media that he had been voted Speaker of the House by 26 of his colleagues.
Additionally, he said that the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria’s strike, which demanded financial autonomy for all of the nation’s Houses of Assembly, was the reason the Rivers Assembly had been postponed indefinitely.
According to The PUNCH claims on Tuesday, the Rivers House of Assembly was a ghost of its former self as it was deserted.
Both of the complex’s entrances were still manned by police officers and a few security cars, even after the highly armed security guards, patrol vans, and one armoured personnel carrier stationed in front of the Assembly were removed during the crisis.
On the other hand, a police car with just the driver and one soldier inside was seen in front of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
Two persons were observed on the property, despite the security at the gate indicating that no one was allowed inside for the time being.
Ofiks Kagbank, the House representative for Andoni, said in an interview with The PUNCH that the Assembly had adjourned indefinitely.
“The House was adjourned sine die, hence I am not aware of the exact date of its reconvening as I am not the House leader.
“Thus, it can only be requested by the Speaker, and when he does, I think you will hear. Additionally, the legislative staff is on strike, as you are aware,” he said.
News About Nigeria reports that attempts to contact House Speaker Martin Amaewhule concerning the next steps were ineffective because he did not reply or pick up phone calls.
