Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to immediately commence the comprehensive renovation of the State Secretariat Complex following a fire that damaged a section of the building on Monday evening.
The Governor made the declaration on Tuesday morning during a visit to the scene of the incident, which partially destroyed a crèche facility used for the babies of civil servants.
Governor Fubara, who was received at the complex by a jubilant crowd of civil servants, the Head of Service, and several Permanent Secretaries, described the fire as “unfortunate” but expressed profound gratitude that no lives were lost.
“I came here this morning to see for myself what happened yesterday,” Governor Fubara told journalists after his inspection. “It’s really unfortunate, but we give God all the glory that no life was lost and the damage was only in one section.”
The Governor stated that the incident would serve as a catalyst to fast-track his administration’s existing plans to refurbish the entire Secretariat Complex.
“We’ve been talking about the renovation of our foremost secretariat. With this particular incident, there should be no further delay,” he asserted. “Whatever is required by this government to commence that process, we will immediately swing into action.”
Governor Fubara also took the opportunity to commend the State Fire Service for its swift and effective response, crediting their success to previous investments made in the service.
“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, highlighting the critical role the well-equipped stations played in containing the blaze.
Concluding his address, the Governor praised the state’s civil servants for their dedication and resilience, reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and the well-being of all Rivers people.
“We’ll continue to do those things that will uplift Rivers people and make them happy,” Governor Fubara added, signalling a renewed focus on public infrastructure and civil service support in the wake of the fire.
