Fire razes part of Rivers State Secretariat in Port Harcourt

Panic broke out on Monday evening as fire engulfed a section of the Podium Block at the Rivers State Secretariat in Port Harcourt.

The incident, which occurred around 5:20 p.m., happened just days after Governor Siminalayi Fubara reprimanded some permanent secretaries for actions that allegedly undermined public service ethics during the state’s emergency rule.

An eyewitness, identified as Jumbo, said the fire, which has since been contained, reportedly started from the section where air-conditioning units were installed.

“Everything is totally under control. Although the fire services are still here, trying to reinforce, everything is completely under control. We have over five trucks of fire services. A portion of the downstairs of the Podium Block was badly damaged by the fire. The building didn’t collapse, but much of that area was destroyed by fire or water,” he explained. Jumbo added that the fire likely resulted from an electrical fault.

The swift intervention of the Rivers State Fire Service, supported by other agencies, prevented the blaze from spreading further.

Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, confirmed there were no casualties. Speaking to journalists at the scene, she said: “We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block, and we immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, which responded promptly. Other partners, including Renaissance, the Federal Fire Service, and the military, also provided support. It was a combined effort, and as we speak, the fire has been contained.”

Dr. Brown expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his earlier investment in rehabilitating the state fire service, saying it played a key role in controlling the incident. “If not for his investment in the fire service, this situation would have been worse,” she stated.

She also disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault and urged civil servants to always unplug electrical appliances after work. “We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for their safety. Put off sockets and lights, and ensure there is no residual charge because these are heritage buildings, and we don’t want anything to happen to them,” she advised.

Dr. Brown assured that Governor Fubara is already working on plans to refurbish the affected buildings, which will be announced in due course.