Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed that the state’s Assembly sitting be relocated to the auditorium in the admin block of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The governor’s order is in the state’s official gazette, executive order of the Rivers state government 001-2023, sent to reporters by his media aide, Boniface Onyedi.

Mr Fubara said the decision resulted from the burning of the Assembly on October 29, 2023, which made the chamber unsafe and threatened the lives of the staff and lawmakers.

He explained that the relocation was to enable urgent renovation and reconstruction of the damaged chamber without affecting or hindering the legislative business.

The governor’s gazette dated December 14, 2023, read, “On October 29, 2023, a fire occasioned by unknown persons burnt and damaged the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“That the Hallowed Chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly in its present state is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly and Thus not conducive for the business and proceeding of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“That it is expedient to carry out urgent repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of the burnt and damaged chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“That it is further reasonable to ensure that the business and proceedings of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not impeded and frustrated.

“Now, therefore, I, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, the governor of Rivers State, this 30th day of October 2023, pursuant to the powers vested in me under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), hereby issue, order and direct that all proceedings and business of Rivers State House of Assembly shall temporarily take place at the Auditorium, Admin Block, Government House, Port Harcourt until the repairs, renovation or reconstruction of the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly are completed.”

The governor’s order came hours after Justice Charles N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court granted an interim injunction restraining Martin Amaewhule, the speaker of the Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, and 24 other members from parading as members of the state legislature. The court declared their legislative seats vacant.

The court’s decision resulted from the motion exparte filed by the assembly speaker, Victor Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Orubienimigha Timothy against the pro-Wike lawmakers.

Mr Amaewhulehe had earlier accused Mr Fubara of planning to demolish the quarters of the state House of Assembly.