Months after completion, Rivers lawmakers shun new Assembly complex

The newly reconstructed Rivers State House of Assembly complex, equipped with modern facilities and enhanced security, has been completed for several months but remains unoccupied. Lawmakers are still conducting plenary sessions and other legislative activities from their residential quarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, rather than utilizing the state-of-the-art facility on Moscow Road.

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We have worked diligently to ensure that their permanent chambers are ready. You know the challenges that affected our relationship previously. But, by the special grace of God, everything has been resolved, and we are determined to ensure the Assembly returns to its rightful place. I firmly believe that this facility will be ready before the end of December.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had announced in November 2025 that the complex would be ready for use by December 2025, following the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers. He expressed optimism that with the political crisis resolved, lawmakers would return to the new chambers to conduct their business with dignity.

However, shortly after the governor's declaration, the Assembly resolved to continue meeting at its residential quarters, citing constitutional provisions for regulating its procedures. This decision was made during the 39th Legislative Sitting of the Third Session of the Tenth Assembly, which also saw the defection of 17 members to the All Progressives Congress.

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what makes an Assembly is the people and not the building.

Nine months later, the situation persists. Lawmakers received Governor Fubara’s N1.854 trillion 2026 budget proposal at their residential quarters on July 10, 2026. A senior government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the complex's completion and readiness for use, attributing the delay to the prevailing political situation in the state. The official expressed confidence that the complex would be inaugurated soon, suggesting there was no longer a need for the lawmakers to wait, given the return of peace and cooperation among parties.

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It has been completed for a long time, but with the situation in the state, we are taking things one step at a time. I’m sure the complex will be among the next projects to be inaugurated. Although, if you ask me, there is no need for the lawmakers to wait for any inauguration. Peace has returned to the state, and all parties are working together.