The Rivers State Government on Wednesday says it’s decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was based on advice from experts.
A statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, 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 advise the government on the integrity of the building.
JOHNSON explained that on the night of the attack on the complex, explosive dynamite was used to attack the complex, which shook its foundation which therefore left visible cracks on the walls, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business.
He said 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 into a more befitting edifice.
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.
He noted that the Rivers State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex.
JOSEPH asserted 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.