Governor Siminalayi Fubara has swiftly directed the relocation of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Government House Auditorium after a devastating fire. This executive order aims to ensure the safety and continuity of legislative functions in Port Harcourt amidst chamber renovation
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued Executive Order 001 mandating the relocation of the State House of Assembly to the Auditorium within the Administrative Block of the Government House, Port Harcourt. The Governor's order, dated December 14th, 2023, comes in the wake of a catastrophic fire incident that engulfed the Hallowed Chamber of the Assembly on October 29th, 2023.
Governor Fubara has unequivocally stated that the safety of the Assembly's staff and members remains paramount, necessitating the urgent shift in venue. The devastating blaze left the chamber in ruins, rendering it uninhabitable and unsafe for legislative activities. Emphasizing the urgency of repairs and renovation, Fubara highlighted the need to swiftly address the damages incurred during the fire incident.
The Executive Order further stipulates that all proceedings and business of the Rivers State House of Assembly will temporarily transition to the designated auditorium within the Government House premises. Governor Fubara, exercising his authority vested under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, ensures the continuity of legislative functions while the primary chamber undergoes reconstruction.
Acknowledging the critical role of the Assembly in governance, Governor Fubara stressed the importance of uninterrupted legislative operations during the transitional phase. The relocation aims to maintain the functionality and efficiency of the Assembly, ensuring that legislative matters proceed without disruption.
The decision has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders, with some expressing support for the Governor's proactive measures to uphold safety standards, while others raise concerns about the implications of relocating the Assembly to the Government House.
As repairs commence and reconstruction efforts intensify, all eyes remain on the Rivers State Government as it navigates this unprecedented transition in the legislative landscape.
