A member of the House of Representatives representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Cyril Hart, has raised concerns over the demolition of Odiokwu Community Secondary School in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, describing the action as improper without government approval.
Reacting to the development, Hart said that regardless of the intentions behind the demolition, it was wrong to begin pulling down government property without due authorization from the relevant authorities.
According to him, the school is a property of the Rivers State Government under the Ministry of Education, and there are laid-down procedures that must be followed when individuals or groups intend to intervene in government-owned facilities.
Hart also expressed concern that the demolition took place while the school was still in session, noting that adequate arrangements should have been made to provide an alternative learning environment for the students before any reconstruction work commenced.
Drawing from his experience as a former board commissioner at the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, the lawmaker explained that major reconstruction projects in schools are usually scheduled during long holidays to avoid disrupting the academic calendar and to ensure the safety of students.
“This is done so you don’t endanger the lives of the children during construction and also not to truncate the learning calendar,” he stated.
Hart urged those involved in the project to exercise caution and follow proper procedures in handling government-owned facilities. “They should take it easy,” he added.
