Police investigation underway as labour unions demand answers over circumstances surrounding Unity Adeda’s death
The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member administrative panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Unity Adeda.
The development follows growing tension among civil servants in the state and an indefinite strike declared by the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the incident.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the administration said the Police had already commenced an investigation and that government, in consultation with organised labour, agreed to establish an additional administrative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen. Other members include the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Mamuzo Erebe; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Lucky Nkemachor; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service, Sir A.E. Oghoro; NLC Delta State Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku; JNC Chairman, Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor; TUC Chairman, Comrade Wilson Asekutu; and JNC Secretary, Comrade Dennis Chuks Isicheli, who serves as Member/Secretary.
The government gave the panel two weeks to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and make its findings available to guide further action within the law.
The announcement comes amid allegations that Adeda was assaulted during an incident at the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Reports circulating in the media have linked the alleged incident to Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, but the allegation has not been independently established.
The Delta State Government has not announced any finding holding the commissioner responsible. Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government would allow investigation and medical evidence to establish what happened and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Meanwhile, the NLC declared an indefinite strike on Friday following protests by workers at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba. The union is demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and assurances regarding the safety of workers in government offices.
The Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education currently lists Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu as its Commissioner.
The outcome of the police investigation and the administrative panel is expected to clarify the events leading to Adeda’s death and determine whether any person should face further action.
IBN News will continue to follow developments as the investigations proceed.
