RSG states reasons for demolishing House of Assembly

The Rivers State Government said on Wednesday that the decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was based on advice from experts.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Joseph Johnson, gave the explanation in a press briefing in Port Harcourt.

Johnson said that after the governor assessed the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident, he considered it necessary to invite professionals to advise the government on the integrity of the building.

Johnson explained that experts advised that the structure had lost its integrity due to the structural defects that arose as a result of the recent explosion and fire incident at the state house of assembly.

Supreme News recalled that the Assembly was gutted by fire on October 30, 2023.

The Commissioner said that there were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business.

The Commissioner said that the government had tried all cost-saving measures towards the repair of the complex until it bowed to the superior view of rebuilding the complex into a more befitting edifice.

Johnson said that after the assessment of the integrity of the complex, experts warned that the continued use of the building in its present state would be disastrous.

The Commissioner said that the state government, in the interim, has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct its affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex.

Johnson urged journalists in the state to remain unbiased on the issues in the face of the crisis rocking the state.