The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member panel to investigate the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe.
The panel was established following consultations between the state government and organised labour over concerns surrounding the incident, which occurred at the deceased’s workplace.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, announced the constitution of the panel in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the state government, the police have already commenced an investigation into the incident, while the administrative panel will examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen.
Other members include the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the 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.
Representatives of organised labour are also members of the panel.
They include the Delta State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), 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 the panel’s secretary.
The state government said the panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It said the findings would assist the government in addressing issues arising from the matter fairly and in accordance with the law.
The constitution of the panel followed concerns raised by workers and organised labour over the circumstances surrounding Ekwevugbe’s death.
The Delta State Police Command had earlier commenced a homicide investigation into the incident and arrested one person in connection with the matter.
READ MORE: Police Arrest One, Hunt Two Aides Over Delta Deputy Director’s Death
The government’s administrative investigation is expected to run alongside the police inquiry, with the panel focusing on the circumstances surrounding the incident from an administrative perspective.
No conclusion has been announced regarding the circumstances of Ekwevugbe’s death.
The Delta State Government expressed condolences to the deceased’s 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.
The government said the outcome of the panel’s work would help determine appropriate steps to address issues arising from the incident in accordance with the law.
