DTSG Constitutes Panel To Probe Death Of Education Ministry Deputy Director, Adeda

The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The government, in a special announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, said the death occurred at the deceased’s workplace amidst unclear circumstances.

The incident, according to the statement, had provoked serious concerns among the deceased’s colleagues, sections of the Public Service, organised labour and the government.

The government disclosed that the Police had commenced investigation into the incident, while it consulted with organised labour and jointly agreed to constitute an Administrative Panel of Inquiry.

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

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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, Public Service.

Also on the panel are Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State; Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor, Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC); and Comrade Wilson Asekutu, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, Secretary, Joint Negotiating Council, will serve as Member/Secretary.

The government said the panel had two weeks to complete its assignment of unearthing the circumstances surrounding the death.

It said the findings of the panel would enable the government to deal fairly with all the issues involved and within the scope of the law.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured civil servants of the safety of their work environment.

The government also reaffirmed its respect for the dignity and sanctity of life.