By LAURA EBELEAKPO
Rivers State Government has explained that it demolished the State House of Assembly complex on Wednesday due to the structural defects following the fire incident which engulfed the main building two months ago.
A statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mr Joseph Johnson said after the visit of the Governor to inspect the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident, it became necessary to invite professionals to advice the government on the integrity of the building.
According to the statement, on the night of the attack on the complex, explosive dynamites were used to attack the complex which shook it to foundation. There were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business
“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,” the statement read in part.
In the interim, the State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex.
