THE Delta State Government has condoled with the family of the late Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, Unity Adeda, who reportedly died following an altercation at his workplace.
The delegation was led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kingsley Emu, and included Chief of Staff to the Governor, Johnson Erijo; Permanent Secretary, SSG’s Office, Lucky Nkemachor; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Community Development, Kevwe Agas; Executive Secretary, State Pensions Bureau, Lawson Efenudu, among others.
Emu, while commiserate with the family, assured them that justice would not be perverted, adding that the state government was deeply concerned about the incident, saying every life matters to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.
He stated: “We are here to establish government concern, register the government’s sincere condolences and tell you (family) that we are with you.
“There will be no perversion of justice as far as this case is concerned.”
Emu said government was in mourning with the family, the civil service and the entire state, noting that the deceased was a senior public servant who had contributed to the state’s public service, adding:
“He was a very senior officer, but whether he was a senior or junior officer, every life means a lot to the state and the government.”
The SSG stated that government was yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death because the Police investigation was still ongoing, noting, however, that preliminary accounts indicated that an internal altercation at the workplace had escalated, leading to the unfortunate incident.
He said Oborevwori had immediately directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated, leading to the arrest of some persons connected with the incident.
Added that government had also constituted an administrative panel, made up entirely of serving and retired civil servants, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and strengthen internal conflict-resolution mechanisms within the public service.
He stressed: “The essence of the administrative panel is not to conflict with the judicial process or the police investigation. It is to help us rebuild our system and enrich our conflict-management process.”
Emu explained that workplace conflicts were inevitable, but must be managed through appropriate institutional mechanisms before they are escalated, noting that government had met with labour leaders following the incident and assured them that the workplace remained safe for civil servants.
He appealled to civil servants to remain calm and continue with their duties, assuring them that the government was committed to protecting lives and ensuring a peaceful working environment.
He urged the family to take solace in the life the deceased lived and the impact he made during his years of service, while assuring them that the government would continue to stand by them.
Responding on behalf of the family, the deceased’s in-law, Godwin Akamakusi, thanked Oborevwori and his government for the visit and concern.
He charged the government to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death were fully investigated and that justice was served.
