The Delta civil servants protest at the state secretariat in Asaba took a dramatic turn on Friday when Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, reportedly left the scene after angry workers allegedly attempted to attack him.
Aniagwu had visited the secretariat to address the protesting civil servants on behalf of the Delta State Government, but his efforts to calm the workers reportedly failed as they demanded justice over the death of their colleague.
Key Highlights
- Charles Aniagwu reportedly left amid an alleged attempted attack by protesting civil servants in Asaba.
- The workers were protesting the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
- Security operatives reportedly intervened and escorted Aniagwu from the scene.
- The protesters demanded the arrest of Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu and three others.
- The Nigeria Labour Congress called for workers’ safety in their offices.
- Ashibogwu denied ordering or participating in the alleged assault.
- The Delta State Government has promised to investigate the incident.
The workers were protesting the death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, who allegedly died following an altercation at the ministry on Thursday.
Aniagwu reportedly faced stiff resistance from the workers as they rejected his explanations and demanded concrete action over Adeda’s death. According to accounts of the confrontation, some of the commissioner’s remarks further angered the protesters, who allegedly moved towards him and attempted to attack him.
Security operatives reportedly intervened and helped Aniagwu leave the area before the situation escalated further. The protesters subsequently demanded the arrest of Commissioner for Secondary Education Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, his driver Amos Atah, police orderly Celestine Opute, and another individual identified as David.
The protest follows earlier demands from workers over the death and the call for the arrest of the commissioner.
NLC Demands Justice for Deceased Worker
Delta State Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman Goodluck Ofobruku called for justice for Adeda and insisted civil servants must be protected while carrying out their duties.
Ofobruku maintained that workers should be guaranteed safety within their offices and that anyone found responsible for Adeda’s death should be brought to justice.
Commissioner Denies Alleged Assault Role
Ashibogwu has denied ordering or participating in the alleged assault involving Adeda.
According to the commissioner, the incident occurred after he responded to a distress call from the Director of Examinations at the Ministry of Secondary Education, where Adeda allegedly became violent.
The Delta State Government has promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.
The reported attempt to attack Aniagwu and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the secretariat could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.
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