By Eseoghene Emuke
The Rivers State Government on Wednesday gave reasons why the recently burnt State House of Assembly was demolished.
The government explained that the building was brought down on the advice of experts before commencing the rebuilding of the complex.
NIGER DELTA TODAY Online had earlier reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly was reportedly set ablaze by yet-to-be identified thugs following the crisis rocking the State Assembly.
The crisis in the House has forced 27 of the 32 members to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which they were elected, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information Mr Joseph Johnson, noted that experts advised the government to demolish it before commencing reconstruction works.
Johnson added that the integrity of the structure has been lost due to the structural defects that arose mainly as a result of the recent explosion and fire incident at the hallowed chambers of the assembly, and that the building has been rendered unfit for human use.
The commissioner noted that 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.
Johnson said: “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.”
