Civil servants in Delta State, under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), shut the entrances to the Prof. Chike Odozien Secretariat in Asaba on Friday. They protested the death of Unity Adeda, a Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, who reportedly died in hospital on Friday. The workers are demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death, which followed an alleged confrontation at the complex.
According to sources, Adeda was involved in a confrontation with a Commissioner, during which he was allegedly assaulted. The sources alleged that the commissioner asked Adeda if he knew him, and the director replied that he did not. However, the allegation of assault has not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and Adeda's subsequent death remain subject to investigation.
The Delta State NLC Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, addressed the protesters, stating that the union is concerned about the safety of workers. He said labour would pursue an amicable resolution but insisted that workers must be assured of their safety before resuming duties. Ofobruku said workers could return on Monday if the government addressed their concerns, but would stay away if no satisfactory assurances were given.
The Chairman of the Joint Civil Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Benson Efeotor, said the council was working to establish the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death. Efeotor appealed to the workers to remain calm and avoid violence or destruction of government property while discussions with the state government continued. He said he had visited the Ministry of Education and made inquiries about the deceased, who worked at the Science Centre.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, assured the workers that the government would not conceal the outcome of any investigation. Aniagwu said the immediate priority is to establish what happened and determine the actual cause of Adeda's death through appropriate investigation and medical examination. He stressed that every life is important and deserves protection, irrespective of the individual's position or relationship with others.
Aniagwu urged the workers to remain restrained and commended labour leaders for conducting the protest peacefully. He assured the workers that the findings would be made public and that appropriate action would follow. The Area Commander, Asaba, ACP Alex Udeze, who was at the scene, said the police were invited following the unrest and responded to maintain law and order.
The state government and labour unions are expected to continue discussions as workers await the outcome of investigations into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death. The workers are demanding assurances that they can perform their duties without fear before returning to work. Key issues include the need for a thorough investigation, the importance of ensuring workers' safety, and the government's commitment to taking necessary action.
Key points
- Workers in Delta State demand investigation into director's death
- Government assures workers of probe into director's death
- Labour union seeks assurances on workers' safety before resuming duties
