The Delta State Government has given an eight-member panel two weeks to investigate the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe.
The panel, comprising government officials and representatives of organised labour, is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and make findings that will guide the government’s next steps.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, announced the panel’s constitution in a statement on Friday.
Emu said the decision followed consultations between the government and organised labour after concerns were raised over the circumstances surrounding the incident at the deceased’s workplace.
The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen.
Members include 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; and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service, Sir A.E. Oghoro.
Also on the panel are the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku; chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Benson Efeotor; and chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Wilson Asekutu.
The Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, will serve as secretary to the panel.
The government said the panel’s findings would enable it to deal with issues arising from the incident fairly and within the law.
The development comes as the Delta State Police Command continues its homicide investigation into the matter. The police have also arrested one person in connection with the incident.
The government said it had consulted organised labour before setting up the panel, following concerns raised by workers and other sections of the public service.
It expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and assured civil servants that their safety and welfare remained important to the government.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity and sanctity of human life.
