The Bayelsa State Government has frowned at the alleged demolition of its properties and eviction of its workers by the Rivers State Government.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Andrew Esua told Journalists over the weekend that both governors had discussed in 2021 when the Rivers State Government first served the Bayelsa State Government the notice for immediate renovation of the property and other subsequent notifications.
He said that as sister states, issues between the states can be amicably resolved without recourse to demolition of the properties at Number 5 and 9 Akassa Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
“I set my people in motion again to move straight and then ensure that our officers in the properties are safe so that we can maybe get alternative areas while we take some legal steps.
“Our people are actually safe, some of their properties are actually outside as you can see. Today, they sent me a clip that demolition has commenced.
“Some of the roofs have already been deroofed, the main buildings, you can see cracks in the main buildings, the bulldozer is there. So, definitely, even their lives are no longer safe,” Esua said.
He lamented that the demolition of the properties should not have occurred as both states are sister states and have a long history of cordial relations, adding that this could be amicably resolved without recourse to demolition.
“Now, Rivers and Bayelsa, we are two sister states. And no matter the situation, if ordinarily, properties belonging to the Bayelsa State government are defacing the scenery of old GRA, I expect the Rivers State government to follow a diplomatic step to resolve the issue.”
“Some of the roofs have already been deroofed, the main buildings, you can see cracks in the main buildings, the bulldozer is there. So, definitely, even their lives are no longer safe,” Esua said.
He lamented that the demolition of the properties should not have occurred as both states are sister states and have a long history of cordial relations, adding that this could be amicably resolved without recourse to demolition.
“Now, Rivers and Bayelsa, we are two sister states. And no matter the situation, if ordinarily, properties belonging to the Bayelsa State government are defacing the scenery of old GRA, I expect the Rivers State government to follow a diplomatic step to resolve the issue.”
