Organised labour in Delta State has directed workers to resume work on Monday, following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s intervention over the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The directive followed a meeting between labour leaders and the Governor, as well as the constitution of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the civil servant’s death.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, disclosed this after the meeting, directing workers to resume duty by 8:00 a.m. on Monday.
Ofobruku, who spoke alongside the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Willson Asekutu, said labour had been briefed on steps being taken by government and relevant authorities to establish what led to Adeda’s death.
He said the criminal dimension of the incident was already under investigation, adding that arrests had been made and anyone found culpable would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The NLC chairman appealed to workers to remain calm and allow the investigative process to take its course, assuring them that organised labour would closely follow developments to ensure that the truth was established.
He said labour would collaborate with the Administrative Panel of Inquiry and other relevant authorities, stressing that the unions were committed to ensuring justice without compromising due process.
He also assured the family of the deceased of the support of organised labour, saying the unions would stand by them as the investigations progressed.
He commended workers across the state for their solidarity following the incident, describing their response as a reflection of their empathy, concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of public servants.
The labour leader also appreciated Governor Oborevwori for his prompt intervention and the decision to establish the Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
He urged workers to return to their duties and remain committed to effective service delivery, saying the ongoing investigations should not bring the machinery of government to a standstill.
Ofobruku said the unions would continue to monitor the process and engage with the authorities to ensure that all relevant issues arising from the incident were properly addressed.
He called for calm, unity and professionalism among workers, assuring them that organised labour would continue to pursue the interests of workers, while allowing the appropriate institutions to carry out their responsibilities.
