Delta, labour set up panel to probe deputy director’s death

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The Delta State Government has set up an eight-member panel to probe the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe.

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The panel was constituted after consultations between the state government and organised labour following concerns raised over the incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances at the deceased’s workplace.

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The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, announced the constitution of the panel in a statement on Friday.

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The government said the police had already commenced an investigation, adding that the administrative panel would examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen.

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“Other members are the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Mamuzo Erebe, SAN; 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.”

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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.

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The Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, will serve as the panel’s secretary.

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According to the government, the panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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It said the findings would enable the government to address all issues arising from the matter fairly and in accordance with the law.

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The development followed concerns raised by workers and organised labour amid allegations of an incident at the deceased’s workplace.

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The Delta State Police Command had earlier commenced a homicide investigation and arrested one person in connection with the matter.

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The government expressed condolences to the family and assured civil servants of its commitment to providing a safe working environment.

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It also reaffirmed its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life.

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