Rivers Secretariat fire incident sparks investigation as Governor Fubara orders urgent renovation and vows to improve civil service welfare
Rivers Secretariat fire incident has prompted swift reaction from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who on Tuesday visited the scene to assess the damage and announced plans for immediate renovation of the complex.
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The fire, which broke out on Monday evening, affected a section of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, including the crèche used by civil servants and parts of the Rural Water Supply Agency.
Governor Fubara, speaking after an on-site inspection, described the incident as “unfortunate” but expressed relief that no lives were lost.
“We give God the glory that no life was lost and the damage was only in one section,” he said.
He added that the event had only reinforced the urgency to commence long-planned renovations. “With this incident, there should be no further delay.
Whatever is required to commence that process, we will immediately swing into action,” he stated.
Fubara praised the Rivers State Fire Service for its rapid response, noting that earlier investments in fire safety under his administration were crucial in containing the blaze.
“I wonder what would have happened if we didn’t have a functional and well-equipped fire service,” he remarked.
The governor was received at the secretariat by jubilant civil servants, along with the Head of Service and other top officials. He reassured them of his commitment to their welfare and the betterment of the Rivers people.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding the fire’s cause has grown. The Nigerian Civil Service Union has called for a thorough probe, alleging possible sabotage.
Union representative Chukwuka Osoma said, “We don’t believe it was ordinary… The government must get to the root of it.”
Civil rights advocate Charles Jaja also questioned the timing, suggesting a link to recent administrative shake-ups since Fubara’s return to office.
“This fire occurred at a section housing sensitive records. The government should engage forensic experts to uncover what really happened,” he said.
The Rivers Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, confirmed that an investigation was underway.
Structural engineers have been tasked with assessing the damage and verifying the building’s safety. “Access to the area has been restricted,” she added.
The incident comes just weeks after President Bola Tinubu lifted emergency rule in Rivers State, reinstating Fubara following the departure of Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
In his recent speeches, Fubara has warned of consequences for civil servants who violated service protocols during the six-month emergency period.
Since his return, he has dissolved both the State Pensions Board and the Microfinance Agency, signalling a clean-up of the previous administration’s activities.
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As investigations into the Rivers Secretariat fire incident continue, attention remains on how the Fubara administration balances swift infrastructure recovery with restoring trust in state institutions.
