Civil service activities in Delta State have been grounded after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared an indefinite strike over the death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the State Ministry of Secondary Education.
Adeda died after he was allegedly assaulted on the orders of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu.
The State Chairman of the NLC, Goodluck Oforbruku, announced the industrial action while addressing protesting civil servants at the Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.
Oforbruku said the organised labour was embarking on the strike in response to what he described as the brutal and unlawful killing of a senior civil servant in active service.
He said the circumstances surrounding the death of the Deputy Director were unacceptable and demanded a thorough investigation.
He said the indefinite strike would continue until the state government addresses the matter and ensures justice is served.
Civil servants, who had gathered at the secretariat to protest the incident, expressed outrage over the alleged role of the Commissioner in the assault that led to Adeda’s death.
According to accounts from civil servants, the deceased was allegedly tied up and beaten mercilessly by thugs said to be acting on the instructions of the Commissioner, with his police orderly and driver allegedly involved in the assault.
They called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and ensure accountability.
