The Rivers State Government has said that its decision to demolish and reconstruct the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was based on professional advice.
The government stated that the integrity of the structure has been lost owing to structural flaws that emerged primarily as a result of the recent explosion and fire disaster at the sacred chambers of the assembly, and that the building has been declared unsuitable for human usage.
According to a statement issued by Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mr Joseph Johnson, following the Governor’s visit to inspect the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident, it became necessary to invite professionals to advise the government on the building’s integrity.
Recall, that powerful dynamite was employed to attack the complex on the night of the attack, which rocked its foundation.
Following that, there were noticeable fissures in the walls, and the entire edifice appeared fragile and hazardous for parliamentary work.
He stated that the government had explored all cost-cutting techniques for the complex’s restoration before succumbing to the superior vision of reconstructing the complex into a more suitable structure.
According to Johnson,
“After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, the experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous.
“In the interim, the Rivers State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex.”
cc: Vanguard Ng
