The Rivers State Government has stated that the main building recent explosion and fire catastrophe, which left it unfit for human habitation, were the primary cause of the structural flaws that led to the decision to demolish and reconstruct the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.
According to a statement made by Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mr. Joseph Johnson, it became necessary to invite experts to advise the government on the building’s integrity following the governor’s visit to assess the extent of damage sustained on the day of the fire incident.
Recall that explosive dynamites were employed to attack the facility on the night of the attack, shaking it to its very core. After that, the walls showed obvious fissures, and the entire building appeared flimsy and unsuitable for parliamentary proceedings.
“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”, he said, noting that the government had tried all cost saving measures towards repair of the complex until it bowed to superior view of rebuilding the complex to a more befitting edifice.
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.