Delta NLC shuts state secretariat over deputy director’s death

Workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress in Delta State on Friday shut the state secretariat in Asaba following the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.

The workers blocked access to the Prof Chike Odozien Secretariat and demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

Adeda, who worked with the Ministry of Secondary Education, reportedly died in hospital on Friday, a day after an alleged confrontation at the secretariat.

The protest followed allegations that Adeda had been assaulted during an encounter involving the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu.

However, the allegation of assault has not been independently established, and the precise cause of Adeda’s death remains under investigation.

Delta State NLC Chairman Goodluck Ofobruku said workers were concerned about their safety and would engage the state government over the incident.

He said workers could return to their offices on Monday if the government provides adequate assurances about their safety.

The Chairman of the Joint Civil Service Negotiating Council, Benson Efeotor, also appealed for calm while efforts continue to establish what happened.

Delta State Commissioner for Works and Public Information Charles Aniagwu said the government would investigate the matter and that an autopsy and medical findings would help determine the cause of death