By Ade Oyeyemi
The 2027 Delta State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Chris Iyovwaye, has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the death of a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
Iyovwaye, in a statement on Saturday, said the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death at the state secretariat in Asaba were troubling and required an independent process to establish what happened.
His call came amid a police investigation into allegations that Adeda was physically assaulted during an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu. The police have arrested one suspect, Lucky Adoh, and launched a manhunt for Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine.
The police said the investigation, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, would examine available video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of everyone connected with the incident before determining culpability.
Iyovwaye urged the police to conduct the investigation without fear or political interference, while calling on the Delta State Government to cooperate fully and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
He also cautioned against rushing to judgment, noting that Ashibogwu had denied ordering or participating in any assault. Iyovwaye said the commissioner’s account, like those of other persons involved, should be tested against available evidence.
The development had earlier triggered industrial action in the state as the Nigeria Labour Congress shut the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba, demanding an investigation into Adeda’s death and accountability for anyone found responsible.
The Delta State Government has also constituted an eight-member administrative panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death, following consultations with organised labour.
