The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member panel to probe the death of Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. The panel was set up after consultations between the state government and organised labour, following concerns raised over the incident. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, announced the constitution of the panel in a statement on Friday.
The government said the police had already commenced an investigation into the incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances at the deceased’s workplace. The administrative panel will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen. Other members include the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Mamuzo Erebe, SAN.
The panel also includes the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Lucky Nkemachor; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service, Sir A.E. Oghoro. The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku; chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Benson Efeotor; and chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, are also members.
The Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, will serve as the panel’s secretary. The government has given the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings will enable the government to address all issues arising from the matter fairly and in accordance with the law.
The development followed concerns raised by workers and organised labour amid allegations of an incident at the deceased’s workplace. The Delta State Police Command had earlier commenced a homicide investigation and arrested one person in connection with the matter. The government expressed condolences to the family and assured civil servants of its commitment to providing a safe working environment.
The government also reaffirmed its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life. The incident had sparked widespread concern among workers and labour unions, leading to the shutdown of the Delta State NLC secretariat. The Nigeria Labour Congress had demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
The panel’s investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Mr Ekwevugbe’s death. The government’s commitment to a fair and transparent investigation is expected to help resolve the issues arising from the incident. The incident has highlighted the need for a safe working environment for civil servants in the state.
Key points
- The Delta State Government has set up an 8-member panel to investigate the death of Deputy Director Adeda Ekwevugbe.
- The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- The government has assured civil servants of its commitment to providing a safe working environment.
