The Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved N19.6 billion for the reconstruction of the State House of Assembly Complex demolished six months ago after a section was bombed following an impeachment attempt on him by Wike-backed lawmakers.
Penpushing reports that the Governor’s spokesperson, Chukwudi Nelson said in a statement that Fubara gave the approval at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt,
The Governor it is recalled, hours after the complex demolition presented the N800 billion 2024 budget proposal to a four-member assembly loyal to him, attributing the demolition to structural defects arising from explosion and fire outbreak.
Penpushing further reports it is recalled that the Commissioner for Information Joseph Johnson said the incident rendered the building unfit for human use, adding that there were visible cracks on the walls and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business.
The Commissioner added that professional advice was sought on the integrity of the building, after the Governor’s inspection visit to determine the level of damage, stressing that experts warned the government that continue use of the assembly would be disastrous
“After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous. 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 to a more befitting edifice,” he said.
The Commissioner stated that after the demolition the state government has provided an alternative venue for the lawmakers at Government House pending the reconstruction of the complex.
Penpushing also reports that the Rivers State House of Assembly has been thrown into political crisis as a result of the supremacy between the Governor and his predecessor Wike who is now a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
‘At the State Executive Council meeting on Friday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Projects, Roland Obed-Whyte told reporters that contract for the reconstruction of the assembly complex has been awarded to Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) at the cost of N19.6 billion with nine months completion duration.
‘This Rivers State House of Assembly Building Complex is made up of about 34 ensuite offices, two storey building with elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall. It also includes the renovation and refurbishing of other existing structures within the House of Assembly Complex. It also includes the provision of ambulance and other external works.”
Penpushing reports that in similar vein the state government also announced the award of contracts totaling N74.9 billion, and besides the reconstruction of the assembly complex, other contracts awarded include construction of Kalaibiama/Epellema Road, and completion of four zonal hospitals across the State.
The statement disclosed that also approved are the renovation of Bonny General Hospital, renovation and upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo and construction of new General Hospital at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
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