Cross River Governor’s Aide Condemns PHED Over Calabar Fire Incident

The Special Adviser on Public Utilities to the Governor of Cross River State Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM has condemned the alleged negligence of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) over a high-voltage power surge that led to a fire outbreak at No. 80 IBB Way, Calabar.

During a visit to the scene of the incident, which occurred on September 15, 2025, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the Special Adviser expressed deep sorrow over the destruction caused by the inferno and faulted PHED for failing to act despite repeated complaints from residents of the Akim community.

He commiserated with the property owner, Mr. Emmanuel Mfon Essien, and affected tenants including Mr. Akaninyene Tom, whose showroom valued at about 50 million was gutted, and Mr. Bright Michael Sandy, who reportedly lost phone accessories worth about 15 million. Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Cross River State, he encouraged the victims to remain strong, stressing the importance of safety, vigilance, and strict adherence to switching off electrical appliances when not in use.

Engr. Dr. Egbe, also called on the State Fire Service to adopt a more proactive approach in safeguarding lives and property, which he described as paramount to the present administration, and emphasised the need for closer synergy between the Fire Service and his office to prevent future occurrences.

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