Dr. Ibrahim Bangura Breaks Silence
In the wake of the recent fire incident at State House, one of the country’s most iconic and secured government facilities, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has broken his silence, offering a calm yet firm voice amidst growing public anxiety, speculation, and a flurry of unanswered questions.
The fire, which occurred late in the evening past Saturday, caused visible structural damage to portions of the historic building, prompting immediate responses from the National Fire Force, security operatives, and various government officials. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, initial reports suggest that no lives were lost and that swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to other important offices.
Dr. Bangura, a respected public figure and policy analyst known for his measured tone and focus on institutional reforms, addressed the nation in a public statement issued Monday evening. His remarks were aimed at easing tensions, urging transparency in the ongoing investigation, and demanding a full review of the country’s security and emergency preparedness protocols.
“The fire at State House is not just a structural event—it is a symbolic blow to the heart of our Republic. The nation deserves answers, not speculation,” Dr. Bangura stated. “We must ensure that this incident is not brushed aside or buried in bureaucratic shadows. It is our duty to uphold the trust of the people.”
He expressed gratitude to the first responders for their bravery and swift action, but cautioned that this incident should serve as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize infrastructure audits, emergency response upgrades, and stringent safety checks at all major public installations, including other government buildings.
In his statement, Dr. Bangura emphasized three key pillars going forward: Calm, Transparency, and Institutional Accountability.
Calm
Dr. Bangura urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation, conspiracy theories, and politically motivated narratives that could inflame tensions or distract from the facts. “Let us be careful with our words and posts, especially on social media. Our unity must not go up in smoke,” he warned.
Transparency
He called on the presidency to commission an independent, cross-institutional investigative panel made up of engineers, fire experts, security personnel, and civil society representatives. The purpose, he argued, is not only to determine the cause of the fire but also to make recommendations that can prevent similar incidents in the future. “This is not a time for secrecy. The people have a right to know what happened—factually, and without filters,” he said.
Institutional Accountability
Dr. Bangura stressed that if the fire was due to negligence—whether through electrical faults, human error, or lapses in protocol—those responsible must face the full weight of the law. He also encouraged a broader conversation about risk assessment and disaster preparedness in all arms of government. “We must move from reactive governance to preventive action. Our institutions must be strong, vigilant, and forward-looking.”
He also urged the media to play a constructive role by verifying information and maintaining ethical standards in their reporting, especially during sensitive national developments such as this.
Dr. Bangura’s intervention has been welcomed by many political observers and civil society groups, who view it as a critical moment of leadership in the midst of uncertainty. His statement has also reignited calls for a national audit of public buildings and a renewed focus on resilience-building in state infrastructure.
As investigations continue, Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad await clarity and resolution—not just about what caused the fire, but how the government will act to safeguard the symbols and institutions of state going forward.
