ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Elders and leaders from across Rivers State’s political spectrum have united in urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to refrain from altering the structures at the House of Assembly quarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
Their plea comes amid concerns over recent visits by the governor to the facility, sparking rumors of potential renovations that could affect the complex, that is currently housing the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
Nation reports that during a surprise visit to the quarters on Sunday, May 12, past and present members of the National Assembly, local government chairpersons, and opinion leaders expressed their reservations.
They were accompanied by other state stakeholders and were received by Amaewhule and his colleagues, who guided them around the premises.
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Amaewhule raised alarm over alleged plans by the governor to demolish the structures, similar to the demolition of the House of Assembly Complex along Moacow Road.
He emphasized that the current structures were in good condition, fully operational, and housing lawmakers and their families.
Also, he criticized the governor’s recent visit, accusing him of forcibly entering the premises with thugs and armed police. Amaewhule stressed that the estate belonged to the Rivers State House of Assembly and that the governor had no right to intervene without invitation.
Addressing the visiting leaders, Amaewhule emphasized the importance of their intervention, stating, “This facility is the facility of the Rivers State House of Assembly. We have brought in experts, engineers, and there is nothing wrong with these structures.”
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He reiterated that neither the governor’s intervention nor any talk of reconstruction or demolition was warranted, asserting that such actions would undermine democracy and the rights of those residing in the buildings.
The visit also saw the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, affirming their concerns and calling for the preservation of democratic institutions in the state. He highlighted the strength and integrity of the structures, emphasizing their significance within Africa’s legislative landscape.
Senator Olaka Nwogu echoed similar statement, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting democratic processes. He cautioned against the destruction of vital institutions and urged the governor to reconsider any plans that could destabilize the state.
The visit showcased a unified front among Rivers leaders, transcending political affiliations, in defense of democratic values and the sanctity of institutional infrastructure.
Addressing the elders, Amaewhule said: “Your visit is unusual visit. It shows that the good people of the state are concerned about what is happening. This facility is the facility of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
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“The experts and engineers are fully in use and fully functional. All the experts confirmed to us that this building is one of the best in the entire West Africa.
“This complex was constructed by the former Governor, Nyesom Wike and inaugurated in August 2022 by the current chief of staff to Mr. President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila. We are happy with the building and everything is working well.
“We didn’t write to the governor and we didn’t invite him. We didn’t ask for his help because we don’t need it. We don’t need his intervention in any way. Any attempt to talk about reconstruction or demolition is clearly an assault on democracy and an assault on members resident in these buildings.
“The Rivers State Government is not the office of the governor. It comprises the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The governor has no right to claim it as his personal property. It is the property of the Rivers State House of Assembly. So without an invitation to the governor, he has no right to break into our property”.