The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn with Wednesday's demolition of the state House of Assembly Complex. Simultaneously, Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2024 budget estimates, totalling N800 billion, to the Edison Ehie-led group at the Government House.
The complex situation unfolded as Ehie, recognised by the court as the Speaker of the House, saw the court restraining Martins Amaewhule from assuming the speaker's role. The budget presentation, originally planned for the assembly complex, was relocated to a Government House Hall due to ongoing "renovation" work initiated that same Wednesday.
During the budget presentation, attendees were predominantly members loyal to Ehie, as those who recently shifted allegiance from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) were notably absent. Former House Speaker Adams Dabotorudinma and former Deputy Speaker Marshal Uwom were also in attendance.
The state government orchestrated the demolition of the assembly complex, a drastic move following a fire incident that occurred about two months prior. The demolition, conducted with high security, commenced at 6:45 am, with Governor Fubara leading a convoy of approximately ten bulldozers on heavy-duty flatbed lorries into the assembly premises. Moscow road witnessed stringent security measures, with both sides blocked to vehicular traffic.
Remarkably, unlike the events of October 30, there were no confrontations as foot traffic was permitted, and the governor faced no tear-gassing. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu held a security meeting at the Command headquarters, with a promised briefing later in the day. Despite the upheaval, most facilities along Moscow Road remained open for regular activities.
