Intrigue and drama enveloped the Rivers State Assembly on Wednesday when the complex was suddenly demolished in the middle of an ongoing political crisis.

The demolition was led by the state government, bringing nearly 10 bulldozers to raze the building while lawmakers met elsewhere to receive the 2024 budget proposal. Tight security locked down the area during the operation.

The move comes two months after fire damaged the complex already embroiled in a speakership dispute between lawmakers Edison Ehie and Martins Amaewhule. Their legal feud has split the legislative body.

Ehie’s faction gathered at the Government House to receive the $1.9 billion budget from Governor Siminalayi Fubara while demolition crews leveled their official chambers. None of the opposition lawmakers who recently defected to the APC appeared at the presentation.

Former speakers Adams Dabotorudinma and Marshal Uwom observed the makeshift ceremony.

Information Commissioner Joe Johnson claimed consultants found the fire-gutted complex uninhabitable and renovation required a total rebuild. With parliament divided, the next steps remain uncertain.