Delta, labour set up panel to probe deputy director’s death

The Delta State Government has set up an eight-member panel to probe the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe. The panel was constituted after consultations between the state government and organised labour following concerns raised over the incident, which occurred under unclear circumstances at the deceased’s workplace. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, announced the constitution of the panel in a statement on Friday. The government said the police had already commenced an investigation, adding that the administrative panel would examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “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; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service, Sir A.E. Oghoro.” 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, are also members. The Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, will serve as the panel’s secretary. Police probe death of Delta deputy director Police arrest one, track two aides over Delta director’s death Delta NLC shuts secretariat over deputy director’s death According to the government, the panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. It said the findings would enable the government to address all issues arising from the matter fairly and in accordance with the law. The development followed concerns raised by workers and organised labour amid allegations of an incident at the deceased’s workplace. The Delta State Police Command had earlier commenced a homicide investigation and arrested one person in connection with the matter. The government expressed condolences to the family and assured civil servants of its commitment to providing a safe working environment. It also reaffirmed its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life. Efecha Gold

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