The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, has confirmed that there were no casualties following a fire outbreak at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Speaking to journalists at the ground floor of the Podium Block, where the incident occurred, Dr. Brown explained that the Rivers State Fire Service and other emergency agencies responded swiftly to contain the blaze.
“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of the Podium Block, and we immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, which responded promptly.
“We also reached out to other partners of the state 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 stated.
Dr. Brown expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his proactive rehabilitation of the state’s fire service, noting that the recent investments made by the administration helped prevent greater damage.
“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 emphasized.
The Head of Service disclosed that no life was lost, adding that the State Medical Service was on the ground to manage any possible emergency. She also noted that preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault.
Dr. Brown urged civil servants to be more safety-conscious and ensure all electrical appliances are properly switched off and unplugged at the close of work.
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“We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for safety. Put off your sockets and lights, and unplug them to ensure there is no residual charge. These buildings are heritage structures, and we must protect them,” she advised.
She further assured that Governor Fubara is working on plans to refurbish the secretariat buildings, adding that details of the initiative would be made known soon.
