By: Felix Ikpotor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured immediate rehabilitation of the sections of the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt gutted by fire on Monday evening.
The affected area, which serves as a creche for babies of civil servants, was partly destroyed by the blaze. Governor Fubara who visited the site on Tuesday morning to personally assess the degree of damage, described the incident as unfortunate.
Fubara was received at the Secretariat Complex by a crowd of jubilant civil servants, the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown and some Permanent Secretaries, including the newly sworn-in Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, the governor expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost, noting that the damage was restricted to a small section of the building.
“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,” Fubara said.
The Governor explained that the incident would serve as a wake-up call to fast-track the planned renovation and refurbishing of the Secretariat Complex, which 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.
Fubara commended the State Fire Service firefighters for their prompt response, noting that previous investments made by his administration in the three fire service stations proved invaluable in containing the situation.
“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.
He also appreciated civil servants for their dedication, resilience and continued support, reiterating his administration’s commitment to initiatives that will enhance their welfare and promote the well-being of all Rivers people.
