4 months ago
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has issued Executive Order 001, relocating the state’s legislative sessions to the Government House.
This temporary measure comes after a fire, allegedly set by unknown individuals on October 29, 2023, severely damaged the Rivers State House of Assembly chambers.
The executive order, dated December 14, 2023, states that the assembly will convene in the Government House’s Auditorium, Admin Block, until necessary renovations are completed on the damaged legislative complex.
Governor Fubara emphasized the urgency of the relocation to ensure the safety of the assembly members and staff, describing the current state of the chamber as a serious threat.
The relocation is set against the backdrop of escalating political tensions within the state. The assembly has been deeply divided since a rift emerged in 2023 between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The discord led to 27 assembly members defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December, significantly altering the legislative landscape.
The political crisis further intensified with Victor Jumbo’s election as a factional leader following the death of lawmaker Dinebari Loolo and the resignation of Ehie Edison, who previously served as the speaker of a factional assembly.
Amid these shifts, a recent court ruling has added another layer to the crisis, with a state high court issuing an interim injunction that restrains Martin Amaewhule and 25 other members from claiming legislative authority.
Olawale Adeniyi Journalist | Content Writer | Proofreader and Editor.
