Delta Govt Condoles Adeda Family, Assures Justice Over Civil Servant’s Death
The Delta State Government has expressed condolences to the family of late Mr. Unity Adeda, a Level 16 officer in the Ministry of Secondary Education, and pledged that justice will be served following his death after an alleged workplace altercation.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the family, where he led a delegation of senior government officials to commiserate with relatives of the deceased.
Ejes Gist News reports that the delegation included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; Permanent Secretary, SSG’s Office, Mr. Lucky Nkemachor; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Community Development, Mrs. Kevwe Agas; and Executive Secretary of the State Pensions Bureau, Mr. Lawson Efenudu, among others.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Emu said the state government was deeply saddened by the incident and stressed that every life mattered to the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“The entire state is in a mourning mood, not just the family. 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,” he said.
The SSG noted that the full circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death had not yet been established, as police investigations were still ongoing. However, he said preliminary reports suggested that an internal workplace dispute escalated into the incident that resulted in the civil servant’s death.
According to Emu, Governor Oborevwori directed the Commissioner of Police to conduct a thorough investigation immediately after receiving reports of the incident. He added that individuals connected to the matter had already provided statements to investigators.
The state government has also constituted an administrative panel comprising serving and retired civil servants to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend measures to strengthen conflict-resolution mechanisms within the public service.
“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 stated.
He explained that while disagreements could arise in workplaces, public institutions must have effective mechanisms to prevent disputes from escalating.
The SSG disclosed that government officials had met with organised labour leaders following the incident to reassure workers that the civil service remained a safe environment.
“We met with Labour and what Labour wanted was reassurance that there would be justice. Labour, as well as ourselves, agreed that the administrative panel must be set up and the police must do their job.
“All of these things have been done. The entire justice process has started, and we are convinced that having seen the sincerity and transparency of government, labour will do the needful,” he said.
Emu appealed to civil servants across the state to remain calm and continue their duties, assuring them that the government remained committed to protecting lives and maintaining peace in the workplace.
“We are here to establish government concern, register the government’s sincere condolences and tell you that we are with you. There will be no perversion of justice as far as this case is concerned,” he added.
He further urged the family to take comfort in the deceased’s legacy and years of service, assuring them of the government’s continued support.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Godwin Akamakusi, an in-law of the deceased, thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for the condolence visit and concern shown to the family.
He appealed for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and called for justice to be served.