Some corrupt civil servants have been accused of masterminding the fire that gutted parts of the Rivers State Secretariat in Port Harcourt.
The incident, which destroyed a section of the complex housing a crèche for civil servants’ children, is now being described as an attempt to cover up evidence of corruption.
Activist and convener of the Ogoni Development Drive (ODD), Solomon Lenu, alleged that the blaze was a deliberate act of sabotage.
In a statement on recently, Lenu claimed that some officials involved in corrupt dealings during the six-month emergency rule in the state may have set the fire to conceal incriminating records.
“As soon as the governor said he knows those responsible for certain actions and that they would soon face justice, some corrupt individuals rushed to burn part of the Secretariat to destroy evidence,” Lenu said.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who visited the scene on Tuesday morning, described the fire as unfortunate but expressed relief that no lives were lost.
Also see: Governor Fubara Visits State Secretariat Complex After Fire Incident
He said the incident should serve as a wake-up call to expedite plans for the full renovation of the state’s main administrative complex.
“With this incident, there should be no further delay. We will immediately begin the process of renovation,” Fubara assured.
He commended firefighters for their swift response, noting that recent government investments in fire stations proved effective.
The governor also praised civil servants for their dedication and reaffirmed his commitment to improving their welfare and working environment.
