By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Delta State Government has constituted an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Adeda Ekwevugbe.
The state government, in a special announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, on Thursday, September 25, said the death occurred at the deceased’s workplace under unclear circumstances.
According to the statement, the incident had generated serious concerns among Adeda’s colleagues, sections of the state public service, organised labour and the government.
The government said the Delta State Police Command had commenced its own investigation into the incident, while the state administration, after consultations with organised labour, jointly agreed to constitute the Administrative Panel of Inquiry.
The eight-member panel is chaired by Mrs Charity Ehimen, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service.
Other members are Mr Mamuzo Erebe, SAN, Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Mr Lucky Nkemachor, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government; and Sir A.E. Oghoro, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service.
Representatives of organised labour on the panel include Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State; Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC); Comrade Wilson Asekutu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC); and Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, Secretary of the JNC, who will serve as Member/Secretary.
The government mandated the panel to complete its assignment within two weeks and uncover the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
It said the findings would enable the government to address all issues arising from the incident fairly and in accordance with the law.
The state government also commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured civil servants of its commitment to the safety of the work environment.
It further reaffirmed its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life.
The administrative inquiry will run alongside the ongoing investigation by the Delta State Police Command, which is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.