The family of late Mr. Unity Adeda, a senior civil servant in Delta State's Ministry of Secondary Education, has declined the condolence visit from the state government. Adeda reportedly died following an altercation at his workplace. The state government's delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, visited the family's residence on Saturday to commiserate with them over the incident.
The delegation included senior government officials such as the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo, and Permanent Secretaries from various ministries. Dr. Emu stated that the government was deeply concerned about the incident and that every life mattered to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration. He emphasized that the state was in mourning, not just the family, and that the deceased had contributed significantly to the state's public service.
According to Dr. Emu, the government was still investigating the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death, as the police investigation was ongoing. Preliminary accounts suggested that an internal altercation at the workplace had escalated, leading to the incident. Governor Oborevwori had directed the Commissioner of Police to thoroughly investigate the matter, and some individuals connected to the incident had already made statements to the police.
The state government has constituted an administrative panel, comprising serving and retired civil servants, to examine the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death and strengthen internal conflict-resolution mechanisms within the public service. Dr. Emu explained that the panel's purpose was not to conflict with the judicial process or police investigation but to help rebuild the system and enrich conflict-management processes.
Dr. Emu met with labour leaders on Thursday following the incident and assured them that the workplace remained safe for civil servants. He stated that the government had agreed with labour that the administrative panel must be set up and that the police must do their job. The government is committed to protecting lives and ensuring a peaceful working environment, and Dr. Emu appealed to civil servants to remain calm and continue with their duties.
The family, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the situation. Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Godwin Akamakusi, Adeda's in-law, appealed to the government to ensure a thorough investigation and justice. The family lamented that the prime suspect, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, and other suspects had not been brought to book, and they questioned the administrative panel's impartiality.
The family stated that they did not have confidence in the administrative panel, as it consisted only of civil servants, with no family members, civil organizations, or human rights activists involved. They urged the state government to make a public statement on the matter before any further contact with the family. The government had assured the family that justice would not be perverted in the case.
Key points
- The family of Unity Adeda rejected the state government's condolence visit over his murder.
- The state government has set up an administrative panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
- The family questions the impartiality of the administrative panel and the government's handling of the situation.
