The two factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly held parallel sittings at different locations on Thursday.
The Edison Ehie-led lawmakers, who are loyal to Governor Siminilayi Fubara, held their plenary at Government House, Port Harcourt.
They wrote to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), informing him of 25 vacancies in the Assembly following the recent defection of some lawmakers.
The Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers, numbering 27, held theirs at the Assembly quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
The lawmakers who are loyal to former governor Wike resolved to adopt and convert the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters to its hallowed chamber.
The lawmakers released a statement condemning what they described as the heartless and brazen demolition of the House of Assembly complex by Governor Fubara, without the approval and knowledge of the House.
As you may know, the Rivers state government maintains that the demolition is to enable the rebuilding of the complex following the October 29 fire at the hallowed chambers of the Assembly complex.
House of Assembly Demolition Continues
In the meantime, the Rivers State government continued its demolition of the complex on Thursday, with bulldozers knocking down the burnt chamber and the Assembly auditorium where the speaker’s chamber and some offices are located.
On Tuesday, hoodlums attempted to rob some offices but were stopped by security personnel.
It is unclear if the personal belongings of staff and lawmakers were taken out before the demolition started.
The demolition continues on Friday.
The Rivers State House of Assembly complex was built in 2008 when Peter Odili was the state governor and Rotimi Amaechi was the House speaker.
