Rivers State House of Assembly has remained closed one week after an explosion inside the building, due to a political disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Recall that following reports of plans to impeach Governor Fubara, suspected arsonists bombed the Assembly, with the main chamber where the lawmakers sit for plenary razed on the night of Sunday, October 29, 2023.
Undeterred by the fire outbreak, about 24 lawmakers led by the House Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, sat at the Assembly auditorium the following day (Monday) and commenced an impeachment proceeding against the Governor.
On the same day at the Government House, Port Harcourt, the House Leader, Edisos Ehie, who had earlier been suspended, told journalists that 26 of his colleagues sat and elected him as the new Speaker of the House.
He added that the Rivers Assembly had adjourned indefinitely following the strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, demanding financial autonomy for the Houses of Assembly nationwide.
According to The PUNCH, the Rivers House of Assembly on Moscow Road, near the state Police Headquarters, was a shadow of its former self on yesterday.
Though the heavy-armed security men, patrol vans, and one Armored Personnel Carrier in front of the Assembly deployed amid the crisis have been removed, both entrances leading to the complex were still mounted by police officers and a few security vans.
A patrol van was, however, spotted opposite the Assembly Complex with only one personnel along with the driver.
The guard at the gate said nobody was allowed entry for now, but two persons were spotted on the premises.
Speaking with The PUNCH on when the House may likely reconvene, the lawmaker representing Andoni in the House, Ofiks Kagbank, said the Assembly had adjourned indefinitely.
He stated, “I am not the leader of the House, so I may not know when the House will reconvene because it was adjourned sine die.
“So, it is only the Speaker that can call for it, and whenever he calls, I believe you will also hear. And you know the parliamentary staff are also on strike.”
Efforts to reach the House Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on the way forward proved abortive, as he did not answer several calls put across to him.
An official of PASAN seen by our correspondent at the entrance was reticent when approached.
“It is a national strike. That is all I can say now,” he said
Source: Read more at brandcom.ng
Morenikeji Adedayo is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
