According to the report from the Vanguard, There is currently an ongoing crisis in Rivers State as the factions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the former governor, now incumbent FCT minister, continue to engage in conflict rather than seek resolution. The latest development in this saga involves the elders and leaders of the state from various political backgrounds uniting to urge Governor Fubara to refrain from interfering with the facilities at the House of Assembly quarters situated on Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
These elders, composed of former and current members of the National Assembly, local government chairpersons, and community influencers, made their voices heard during a recent visit to the quarters for an assessment of the structures. Their actions were prompted by Governor Fubara's recent visit to the premises and speculation about potential renovations to the estate, which is currently home to the House of Assembly chamber.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule, representing the lawmakers under former governor Nyesom Wike, alleged to the leaders that there was a deliberate scheme by the governor to dismantle the structures, akin to his previous order to demolish the House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road in an attempt to prevent legislative sessions.
Amaewhule emphasized that the structures were in impeccable condition, fully operational, and housing both lawmakers and their families. He criticized the governor's forceful entry into the quarters with the assistance of thugs and armed law enforcement officers, stating that Governor Fubara forcibly entered the premises by damaging the gate and enabling others to breach the fence.
According to Amaewhule, the lawmakers had not issued an invitation to the governor regarding the quarters, reiterating that the estate rightfully belonged to the Rivers State House of Assembly. In his address to the elders, Amaewhule expressed, "Your visit is unprecedented. It reflects the concerns of the state's populace regarding the ongoing events. This facility belongs to the Rivers State House of Assembly."
He further added, "We have enlisted the expertise of engineers to evaluate the structures, and they have confirmed that there are no structural issues. The buildings are fully utilized and operational. All experts have attested that this edifice stands among the best across West Africa."
Amaewhule underscored that the complex was constructed during Wike's tenure and formally opened in August 2022 by the current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. He emphasized the lawmakers' satisfaction with the building's condition and functionality, stressing that they neither sought nor required the governor's involvement. Any contemplation of reconstruction or demolition, in Amaewhule's view, would constitute an infringement on democracy and an affront to the residents occupying these buildings.
In closing, Amaewhule reminded the audience that the Rivers State government encompassed the legislature, executive, and judiciary, dismissing any assertion that the governor held exclusive rights over the state's offices. He reaffirmed that the estate belonged to the Rivers State House of Assembly and not the personal property of the governor.