The political crisis in Rivers State took a new twist on Wednesday with the demolition of the State House of Assembly Complex located at Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
The Herald reports that this development comes amidst a tense political situation in the state, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara engaged in a power struggle with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The demolition reportedly began moments ago, with heavy machinery on site tearing down the building.
BREAKING: Rivers State House Of Assembly Under Demolition (VIDEO)
Shortly after the seat of Rivers state defected assembly members were deflected vacant, The Rivers state house of assembly is getting demolished right now pic.twitter.com/KmqRPaJVxK
— Chief Ikukuoma (@IkukuomaC) December 13, 2023
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for the demolition is unclear, but it is believed to be connected to the ongoing political situation in the state.
The Herald recall that just this morning, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ehie Edison, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, reportedly presided over a plenary session of the 10th Assembly. Ehie Edison is a close ally of Governor Fubara.
This session follows a recent court order that declared Ehie the legitimate Speaker and barred his rival, Martins Amaewhule, from claiming leadership. Amaewhule is believed to be backed by Nyesom Wike.
The tension in the state came to public notice in October when a section of the assembly complex was burned down, allegedly by supporters of Fubara, in an attempt to prevent impeachment proceedings against him. The process was ultimately stalled by the intervention of President Tinubu.