The Delta State Government has expressed condolences to the family of Mr Unity Adeda, a Level 16 civil servant in the Ministry of Secondary Education, who died following an altercation at his workplace. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, led a delegation of senior government officials to the deceased's family to commiserate with them over the incident. The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo, and other senior officials.
Dr. Emu assured the family that justice would not be perverted, saying the state government was deeply concerned about the incident. He stressed that every life mattered to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration. The government is in mourning with the family, the civil service, and the entire state, noting that the deceased was a senior public servant who had contributed to the state's public service.
According to Dr. Emu, the government is yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death because the police investigation is still ongoing. Preliminary accounts indicate that an internal altercation at the workplace escalated, leading to the unfortunate incident. Governor Oborevwori has directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation, and some persons connected to the incident have made statements to the police.
The government has also constituted an administrative panel, made up entirely of serving and retired civil servants, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and strengthen internal conflict-resolution mechanisms within the public service. The panel's essence is not to conflict with the judicial process or police investigation but to help rebuild the system and enrich conflict-management processes.
Dr. Emu disclosed that the government met with labour leaders following the incident and assured them that the workplace remained safe for civil servants. The government and labour leaders agreed that the administrative panel must be set up, and the police must do their job. The SSG appealed to civil servants to remain calm and continue with their duties, assuring them that the government is committed to protecting lives and ensuring a peaceful working environment.
The family, represented by Mr Godwin Akamakusi, the deceased's in-law, thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for their visit and concern. They appealed to the government to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death are fully investigated and that justice is served. Dr. Emu urged the family to take solace in the life the deceased lived and the impact she made during her years of service.
The incident has raised concerns about workplace conflicts and the need for effective conflict-resolution mechanisms. The government's response aims to address these concerns and ensure that justice is served. The administrative panel and police investigation will help to establish the facts surrounding the incident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- The Delta State Government has condoled with the family of late Mr Unity Adeda and assured them that justice will prevail.
- An administrative panel has been set up to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- The government has assured civil servants that the workplace remains safe and has committed to protecting lives and ensuring a peaceful working environment.
