The Rivers State House of Assembly was set ablaze by suspected political thugs in the state.
This incident occurred in the wake of the House’s intent to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Leader of the House, Hon. Edison Ehie, and the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The attack by the arsonists took place around 9:45 pm, causing a sense of unrest in the vicinity of the assembly complex, which also houses the State Police Command.
Sources indicate that the legislature had been planning to proceed with the impeachment process on Monday during its scheduled session, although the specific reasons for these actions remain undisclosed.
Following these developments, a group of youths reportedly stormed the assembly complex and set it on fire. It was only through the combined efforts of the police and the state Fire Service teams that the flames were finally extinguished.
Many believe that the fire is connected with the growing political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike who is now FCT minister.
The governor and some of his aides arrived the House of Assembly building on Monday morning.
In the video below, the supporters moving alongside the governor are heard saying, “Where are they? They cannot move the motion. We have to stop them.”
The assembly complex is now under heavy security surveillance, with more than 17 security vehicles and four Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) stationed at the site. Additionally, over 50 federal security personnel have been mobilized to ensure the security of the complex. It has also been alleged that the Rivers Government House Camp Commander has been relieved of duty.
