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, said Ekwevugbe died under unclear circumstances at his workplace.
The incident, according to the government, generated serious concerns among his colleagues, members of the wider public service, organised labour and the government.
While the Police have commenced investigation into the incident, the state government said it consulted with organised labour before jointly agreeing to establish an administrative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
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.
Representing organised labour 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 of the Joint Negotiating Council, will serve as Member/Secretary of the panel.
The government gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and determine the circumstances surrounding Ekwevugbe’s death.
According to the statement, the findings are expected to enable the government to address all issues arising from the incident in accordance with the law.
The Delta State Government also commiserated with the deceased’s family, while assuring civil servants of the safety of their work environment and reaffirming its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life.