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Government scrambles to contain fallout days after Works Commissioner’s suspension

ASABA — Delta State’s civil service ground to a halt on Friday as workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) locked down the Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat, demanding answers after a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education died following an alleged assault linked to a commissioner’s aides.

The protest comes barely three days after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recalled suspended Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, over a separate violent assault on the governor’s aide, Simon Mudiaga.

Now a second commissioner’s position is in question. The unnamed official is accused of ordering his police orderly and driver to manhandle Unity Adeda, a Deputy Director who worked at the Science Centre, after a heated altercation. Adeda reportedly died in hospital a day later. The assault allegation remains unproven, and the exact circumstances of his death were still unclear at press time.

Angered by the death, NLC members shut down the secretariat entrances on Mariam Babangida Road, halting official business and demanding a full investigation as well as guarantees they could work without fear.

State NLC Chairman Goodluck Ofobruku said workers would return on Monday only if government addresses their concerns. “We must assure workers that they are safe in their places of work,” he said, insisting whoever is responsible “must be brought to book” first.

Joint Civil Service Negotiating Council Chairman Benson Efeotor said he had visited the ministry to gather details, and urged workers to stay calm and avoid destroying property while talks continue.

Governor Oborevwori dispatched Secretary to the State Government Kingsley Emu to appeal to the protesters, but workers kept the complex shut despite his intervention.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information Charles Aniagwu sought to reassure the workforce, promising a transparent investigation including a possible autopsy. “There are different conjectures as to what may have led to the death of our brother… I can assure you that nothing is going to be swept under the carpet,” he said, calling for restraint and commending workers for protesting peacefully.

No arrests or formal charges have been announced.