In a bold display of dissent, prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State staged a protest at the House of Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt, condemning rumored plans by the state government to demolish the complex.
Led by notable figures including Desmond Akawor, Kingsley Chindah, Olaka Nwogu, and Chief Tony Okocha, the demonstrators voiced their opposition to any attempts to dismantle the infrastructure. Â 
Footage from the protest
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Martins Amaehwule, Speaker of the Assembly faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), received the protesters and underscored the importance of preserving the structures, highlighting their significance to the state’s democratic institutions.
Amaewhule vehemently refuted claims of structural deficiencies, asserting that the buildings were in excellent condition and fully operational. He emphasized that any move to interfere with the complex would constitute an affront to democracy and the authority of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
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Accompanied by Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, the protesters inspected the premises and affirmed the integrity of the structures, dismissing allegations of imminent demolition.
Chinda commended the quality of the assembly complex, comparing it favorably to national legislative quarters and urging restraint from any actions that could undermine its integrity.
Another footage from the protest
Former House of Representatives member, Igo Aguma, condemned past instances of destruction and urged the governor to uphold democratic principles by safeguarding the assembly complex.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Ikuinyi Ibani, cautioned against actions that could incite violence and called for respect for the rule of law.
Senator Olaka Nwogu emphasized the importance of upholding democratic institutions, warning against any attempts to subvert their integrity.
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Rivers Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC, Chief Tony Okocha, lauded the unity displayed by leaders and elders across party lines in defense of democracy, reaffirming support for the 27 lawmakers aligned with the APC.
