Police Take Control of Rivers House of Assembly over Alleged Demolition Plan

The House of Assembly quarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has been surrounded by about 30 armed policemen amidst the tussle between the state Governor and the lawmakers.

The officers, stationed at both the first and second gates, arrived in 30 patrol vans to seal off the entrances. This development followed concerns raised by the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly that the governor intended to demolish the quarters, sparked by his surprise visit.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara defended his visit as innocent, stating that the estate was within his purview. He questioned the controversy, asking if there was anything amiss in inspecting his own property.

He explained:

“We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people.”

Amaewhule’s alarm prompted anti-Fubara lawmakers and some APC chieftains to keep watch over the estate overnight. Consequently, armed police were deployed, barricading the gates on Friday to ensure the security of the premises.

Recall that the clamour for the impeachment of the Governor has continued to gain momentum amongst his detractors including the opposition APC and the local government chairmen.