Delta Promises Justice as Civil Servant Dies After Workplace Altercation

The Delta State Government has promised that justice will not be compromised following the death of senior civil servant Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda after an altercation at his workplace.

Adeda, a Level 16 officer in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, reportedly died after an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education.

The full circumstances surrounding his death have not been established, with the police investigation still ongoing.

The Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a delegation of senior government officials to the deceased’s family.

Emu said the state government was deeply concerned about the incident and had directed that the circumstances surrounding the death be properly investigated.

Government sets up administrative panel

According to the SSG, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation.

He added that some people connected with the incident had already made statements to the police.

The government has also constituted an administrative panel made up of serving and retired civil servants to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and review how workplace conflicts are handled within the public service.

Emu stressed that the administrative inquiry would not replace or interfere with the police investigation or any judicial process.

“The essence of the administrative panel is not to conflict with the judicial process or the police investigation. It is to help us rebuild our system and enrich our conflict-management process,” he said.

The controversy has already triggered tension among workers in the state.

Organised labour declared a dispute with the Delta Government over the death, while police announced the arrest of one suspect and a search for others allegedly connected with the incident.

The commissioner involved has denied ordering anyone to assault Adeda.

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Family demands full investigation

Speaking on behalf of the family, Godwin Akamakusi thanked the state government for visiting but appealed for a full investigation into the circumstances of Adeda’s death.

He asked the government to ensure that justice was served.

The state government has meanwhile appealed for calm among civil servants, assuring workers that it remains committed to protecting lives and maintaining a safe working environment.

With both a police investigation and an administrative inquiry underway, the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death remain subject to investigation. ValidViewNetwork reports.