The Delta State Government has condoled with the family of late Mr. Unity Adeda, a Level 16 civil servant with the Ministry of Secondary Education, who reportedly died following an altercation at his workplace.
The government also assured the bereaved family that justice would prevail as investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death continue.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a delegation of senior government officials to the deceased’s family to commiserate with them over the incident.
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, State Pensions Bureau, Mr. Lawson Efenudu, among others.
Emu said the state government was deeply concerned about the incident, stressing that every life mattered to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
He described the deceased as a senior public servant who had contributed to the development of the state’s civil service, adding that the entire state was mourning with the family.
«“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,” Emu said.»
The SSG explained that the government was yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death, as police investigations were still ongoing.
He said preliminary accounts suggested that an internal workplace altercation had escalated, resulting in the unfortunate incident.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori had directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation, while some individuals connected to the incident had already made statements to the police.
Emu also disclosed that the state government had constituted an administrative panel comprising serving and retired civil servants to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend ways to strengthen conflict-resolution mechanisms within the public service.
He stressed that the administrative panel would not interfere with the police investigation or judicial process.
«“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,” he said.»
The SSG noted that workplace disagreements were inevitable but should be addressed through established institutional mechanisms before escalating into serious incidents.
He further disclosed that the government had met with labour leaders following the incident and assured them that the workplace remained safe for civil servants.
«“We met with Labour yesterday 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 to remain calm and continue carrying out their responsibilities, assuring them of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining a peaceful working environment.
Addressing the bereaved family, he said the government’s visit was to demonstrate its concern, extend its condolences and assure them of its support.
«“There will be no perversion of justice as far as this case is concerned,” he assured the family.»
He urged the family to draw strength from the life the deceased lived and the contributions he made during his years of service, assuring them that the government would continue to stand by them.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Godwin Akamakusi, the deceased’s in-law, thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for the visit and expression of concern.
Akamakusi, however, appealed to the government to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death were thoroughly investigated and that justice was served.
