The Nigeria Labour Congress, Delta State Council, has demanded justice over the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
The labour union had shut down activities at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba following concerns over the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death after an incident at the ministry.
NLC Chairman in Delta State, Goodluck Ofobruku, said the union would not accept any attempt to ignore the circumstances surrounding the death and insisted that anyone found responsible should be held accountable.
The police have commenced an investigation into the incident, with one suspect reportedly arrested while efforts are ongoing to locate other persons allegedly connected to the matter. Investigators are expected to examine available video footage, speak with witnesses and review relevant medical records.
The Delta State Government has also constituted an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
The development followed conflicting accounts of what happened before the deceased was taken to hospital. The Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, has denied ordering anyone to assault Adeda or personally participating in any attack, maintaining that the investigation should establish what transpired.
Ofobruku later directed workers to resume duties after organised labour met with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and received assurances that the matter would be investigated.
He said the police investigation and administrative inquiry would continue, while anyone found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Labour has therefore maintained its demand for justice while urging workers to remain calm as the investigations proceed.
The circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death remain under investigation, and no individual has been established as criminally responsible at this stage.
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