By Amieyeofori Ibim, Port Harcourt
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, has confirmed that there were no casualties in the fire incident that occurred on Monday at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued after the incident, Dr. Brown said the fire, which affected the right wing of the ground floor of Podium Block, was promptly contained through the combined efforts of several firefighting agencies.
“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block, and we immediately made calls to the Rivers State Fire Service, who responded promptly,” she said.
“We also called other partners of the state, such as Renaissance, the Federal Fire Service, and the military, who all sent their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and as we speak, the fire has been contained,” she added.
Dr. Brown expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his proactive rehabilitation of the state fire service, noting that his administration’s investment in firefighting facilities prevented what could have been a major disaster.
“We thank God, and we thank His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time. If not for his investment in the fire service, this situation would have been worse,” she noted.
The Head of Service confirmed that no life was lost, though personnel of the State Medical Services were on the ground to manage any emergencies.
She added that preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, and she urged civil servants to observe safety precautions in the workplace.
“We urge all civil servants to take responsibility in safety. Put off our sockets and our lights. Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug to ensure there is no residual charge,” she advised.
Dr. Brown emphasized that the secretariat buildings are heritage structures and must be preserved, assuring that Governor Fubara’s administration is already working on plans to refurbish and maintain the complex, which will be made public soon.
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