Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the fire that gutted part of the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt on Monday evening as unfortunate.
The blaze partially destroyed a section of the building that serves as a creche for the children of civil servants.
Governor Fubara visited the site on Tuesday morning to assess the damage firsthand. He was received by a crowd of civil servants, the Head of Service, and several Permanent Secretaries, including the newly sworn-in Austin Ezekiel-Hart.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the governor expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and that the damage was limited to a single section of the complex.
“I came here this morning to see for myself what happened yesterday. It’s really unfortunate, but we give God all the glory that no life was lost and the damage was only in one section,” he said.
Fubara explained that the incident would accelerate plans to renovate and refurbish the Secretariat Complex, a project that has been under consideration by his administration.
“We’ve been talking about the renovation of our foremost secretariat. With this particular incident, there should be no further delay. Whatever is required by this government to commence that process, we will immediately swing into action,” he assured.
The governor also praised the state fire service for their prompt response, noting that prior investments in the three fire service stations played a crucial role in containing the blaze.
“Before the emergency rule, we took our time to invest in the fire service. I wonder what would have happened if we didn’t have a formidable and functional fire service,” he remarked.
Fubara further commended civil servants for their dedication and resilience and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that enhance their welfare and the well-being of all Rivers State residents.
“We’ll continue to do those things that will uplift Rivers people and make them happy,” he added.
