The Rivers Government has begun the demolition of the House of Assembly complex to give way for its rebuilding, following the recent fire that gutted parts of the building.
The demolition started at about 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday with the chambers and auditorium.
The process is in progress and other segments of the building may be affected.
Meanwhile, the Edison Ehie-led four-member faction of the assembly has officially relocated sittings to the Government House.
While the demolition was ongoing, the House, presided over by its factional Speaker, Edison Ehie (PDP-Ahoada 11), commenced sitting.
During the sitting marking the first official plenary, Mr Adulphus Timothy (PDP-Opobo/Nkoro) was elected Leader of the factional assembly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that, amongst other rulings, the High Court in the state had considered the request brought forward by the Governor, Mr Siminialayi Fubara, to allow for the temporary relocation of the parliament’s sittings to a more conducive atmosphere.
According to the governor’s request, the relocation will ensure that legislative business in the house remains uninterrupted while renovations to the Assembly building take effect.