Rivers assembly set ablaze over impeachment threat; Teargas fired and water canisters to disperse protesting youths as Fubara inspects burnt state House of Assembly; Majority Leader suspended
Some part of the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been destroyed by youths suspected as political thugs in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
This action follows a move by the house to commence an impeachment process on the Leader of the House, Hon. Edison Ehie, and the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Monday.
The arsonists had carried out the act at about 9:45pm on Sunday causing uneasy calm around the assembly complex where the State Police Command is located.
A source said the legislature has concluded plans to impeach the duo on Monday at its resumed sitting following some undisclosed issues.
It was gathered that following the development some youths had invaded the assembly complex and set it ablaze.
A senior police officer in the state, who did not want to be mentioned confirmed the development, adding that it took efforts of police and the state Fire Service teams to put out the fire.
The source said: “Yes, the Rivers State House of Assembly main chamber was under attack and set on fire. It was policemen and the fire service team that helped to put out the fire.”
However, at press time, Security personnel have taken over the premises of the assembly complex.
Over 17 security trucks and four Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC, have been stationed at the facility with over 50 Federal Security personnel mobilized at the complex.
It was reported that while the governor was on his way to inspect the burnt House of Assembly along with some supporters were teargased. The governor and his supporters however ignored the attacks and continued their match to the burnt lawmakers complex.
Fubara is reported to have sacked the Chief of Staff Government House, Chidi Amadi and the Government House Chief Security Officer aka Government House Camp Commandant, Promise Wosu.
Governor Fubara in his address said, “the unfortunate incidence in Rivers state is damning”.
“I get distressing information late yesterday and I say I go come see for myself dis morning. Every person that know me knows I am a peaceful person. Even if I am aware of plot to impeach me for whatever reason, I am not worried. But I am worried that a facility like this where tax payers money is used to build is destroyed is unfortunate”.
The house Speaker, Amaewhule accused Hon. Edison Ehie, the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly now on suspention and others of masterminding the burning of the Assembly Complex on Sunday night.
Over twenty members of the Rivers State House of Assembly allegedly supported the suspension.
The House also suspended six other members including the House of Assembly members for Opobo Nkoro, Degema, Bonny.
The speaker of the house, Martin Amaewhule who announced the suspension following confirmation by others supporters, accused Ehie and others of masterminding the burning of the Assembly Complex Sunday night.
The House also announced the impeachment process of governor Siminalayi Fubara, a position which provoked the supporters of the governor and leader of the House to go on rampage forcing members to leave the Assembly Complex.
Governor Fubara who later arrived the Assembly Complex after the twenty-four members had left described everything executed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly and some other members as null and void.
He thereafter addressed Rivers youth who were present in solidarity with him, assuring that with the support of the youths, he will resist any plot to deny Rivers people their mandate.
