By Cynthia Eruotor
The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member administrative panel of enquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Adeba Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Asaba.
The panel was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, and made available to journalists.
According to the statement, the committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the senior civil servant, with a view to enabling the government address all issues arising from the incident in accordance with the law. The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Charity Ehimen.
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; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service, Sir A. E. Oghoro; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku; Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor; Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Wilson Asekutu; and Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, who will serve as Secretary of the panel.
The state government expressed deep condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, while reassuring civil servants of its commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and upholding the sanctity of human life. Mr. Ekwevugbe reportedly died following an alleged assault in an incident involving persons described as suspected thugs. Allegations have linked the incident to individuals said to be loyal to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mr. Kingsley Ashibogwu.
However, the commissioner has denied ordering or authorising any assault on the deceased. The incident has generated widespread reactions among civil servants, particularly staff of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as members of the public, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ekwevugbe’s death.