DELTA WORKERS RETURN, BUT JUSTICE MUST NOT CLOCK OUT
NLC suspends strike after governor’s intervention as Education Officers demand accountability over deputy director’s death
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Chapter, has directed workers to resume duties following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s intervention and the constitution of an administrative panel of inquiry into the death of Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe Unity, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education.
The directive followed an earlier declaration of an indefinite strike by organised labour over the civil servant’s death. Mr Unity reportedly died after being tied up and brutally assaulted by suspected thugs allegedly acting on the orders of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu. The allegation against the commissioner remains unproven and is subject to investigation.
In a joint directive, NLC Chairman in Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, directed workers to resume duties on Monday at 8.00 a.m.
Comrade Ofobruku disclosed that labour leaders had met with the governor, who had constituted an administrative panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He also revealed that the criminal aspect of the matter was being investigated and that arrests had been made. He assured workers that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The labour leaders urged workers to remain calm, assuring them that the unions would pursue the matter until justice was served. Comrade Ofobruku thanked workers across the state for their solidarity and assured the deceased’s family of the unions’ support. He also commended Governor Oborevwori for his prompt intervention.
While urging workers to remain committed to their duties and effective service delivery, he said organised labour would collaborate with the panel of inquiry to ensure accountability.
Education Officers Insist: No Cover-Up
The Association of Education Officers, Delta State Chapter, has also expressed deep anger and sadness over Mr Unity’s death, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable brought to justice, regardless of position, status or affiliation.
In an official statement to members, the association called on all education officers to cooperate fully with the investigating committee and provide credible information that could help establish the facts.
It urged members to speak the truth without fear, stressing that the matter was not about protecting individuals or interests but about justice, accountability and the safety of every education officer.
Warning that what happened to Mr Unity could happen to any other officer, the association urged members to stand together and ensure that the matter was not swept under the carpet.
The association also announced the postponement of its forthcoming Education Summit until further notice, adding that a new date would be communicated in due course.
It assured members that should the committee’s report fail to address their legitimate concerns or provide satisfactory answers, it would explore every lawful avenue to pursue justice for the deceased.
The association pledged not to abandon the matter until all reasonable efforts had been exhausted to secure accountability. It urged members to remain calm, united, vigilant and law-abiding while cooperating with the committee and relevant authorities.
Its position was unequivocal: ‘Justice must be done. No fear, no favour and no cover-up.’
No Grievance Justifies Violence
Beyond the resumption of work and the constitution of a panel of inquiry, a troubling question remains: what could possibly justify the alleged assault of a public servant by individuals reportedly acting on the orders of a commissioner?
Even if Mr Unity was suspected of misconduct or involved in a workplace disagreement, no allegation of insubordination or administrative dispute could justify tying up and beating a fellow human being.
The civil service has established procedures for addressing misconduct. Under Rule 030301 of the Federal Public Service Rules, 2021, assault and battery are listed as examples of misconduct. However, the Federal Rules should not be presented as automatically governing Delta State civil servants. The applicable Delta State Public Service Rules and disciplinary procedures must be identified and applied in any administrative proceedings.
The principle remains clear: allegations of misconduct must be addressed through lawful investigation and disciplinary procedures, not physical punishment.
The criminal law also provides safeguards against assault. Sections 252 and 253 of the Criminal Code Act define assault and establish when it is unlawful. Section 351 provides for punishment for unlawful assault, while Section 355 addresses unlawful assault that causes harm. The precise offence and applicable penalty depend on the evidence and the circumstances established by the investigation.
If the allegations surrounding Mr Unity’s death are substantiated, the matter would extend beyond an internal administrative dispute. It would raise serious questions about the abuse of authority, the safety of public servants and the responsibility of those entrusted with public office.
A commissioner is appointed to provide leadership, enforce policy and uphold the standards of public service. The office does not confer the right to intimidate, assault or subject any civil servant to unlawful treatment.
The investigation must therefore establish what happened, identify everyone involved and determine whether anyone ordered, encouraged or participated in the alleged assault. Any person found culpable must face the appropriate consequences under the law, irrespective of rank or political connections.
Resumption Must Not Mean Silence
Governor Oborevwori’s intervention and the resumption directive are welcome developments, but they must not mark the end of the matter. The suspension of industrial action must not become a suspension of the demand for justice.
The panel of inquiry must be allowed to work without interference. Its findings should be made public to the extent permitted by law, while the criminal investigation must proceed independently and transparently.
Delta workers deserve the assurance that their lives and dignity matter. No public servant should have to fear physical violence while carrying out official duties or resolving a workplace disagreement.
The death of Mr Unity must not become another unresolved case in which public outrage fades, investigations stall and those responsible escape accountability.
The authorities must ensure that the investigation is thorough, that due process is followed and that the outcome is not determined by the status or influence of anyone involved.
Justice must not only be promised; it must be seen to be done.
May the soul of Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe Unity rest in peace.
Okiwelu Azed P. Writes from Asaba.
