Organised labour in Delta State has directed workers to resume duties following the intervention of State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. The labour unions, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), had earlier shut down activities at the state secretariat in Asaba, demanding an investigation into the death of Mr. Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The Delta State government has constituted an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda Ekwevugbe's death. The panel was set up following consultations between the labour leaders and Governor Oborevwori. The NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Willson Asekutu, jointly directed workers to return to their duty posts by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28.
According to Comrade Ofobruku, the decision to resume work followed assurances from the governor that the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death would be thoroughly investigated. He disclosed that the criminal aspect of the matter was already being handled by the relevant security authorities, and that arrests had been made in connection with the investigation.
The labour leader assured workers that organised labour would continue to monitor the investigation and work with the Administrative Panel of Inquiry to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death were properly established. He commended workers across Delta State for their solidarity and peaceful response to the incident.
Comrade Ofobruku appealed to workers to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities, urging them to return to their offices and sustain effective service delivery across the state. He expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his prompt intervention through the constitution of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry.
The unions made it clear that the resumption of work would not mean an abandonment of their demand for justice. Ofobruku maintained that labour would continue to engage with the panel and other relevant authorities until the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death were properly established and appropriate action taken against anyone found responsible.
The labour leader urged workers to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the investigation proceeds, stressing that the unions would continue to represent the interests of the workforce and support the deceased's family. He assured the family of the deceased that organised labour would support them in every possible way during the period of investigation and mourning.
Key points
- Governor Oborevwori constitutes Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate Adeda Ekwevugbe's death.
- Labour unions direct workers to resume duties after governor's intervention.
- Arrests made in connection with Adeda Ekwevugbe's death investigation.
