By Oghenefejiro Emado
26, September 2026
The Delta State GoveTrnment has commiserated with the family of late Mr. Unity Adeda, a Level 16 civil servant in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, who reportedly died following an altercation in his workplace, with a firm assurance that justice will not be perverted.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a delegation of top government officials on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.
Members of the delegation included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Lucky Nkemachor; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Community Development, Mrs. Kevwe Agas; Executive Secretary, State Pensions Bureau, Mr. Lawson Efenudu, among others.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Emu said the state government was deeply saddened and concerned about the unfortunate incident, stressing that every life is valuable to the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to him, the entire state is in mourning, not just the family, noting that the late officer was a senior civil servant who had rendered meritorious service to the state.
“The entire state is in a mourning mood, not just the family. He was a very senior officer, but whether he was a senior or junior officer, every life means a lot to the state and the government,” Emu said.
The SSG explained that government was yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death as police investigation was still ongoing. He however disclosed that preliminary accounts indicated that an internal altercation at the workplace escalated and led to the tragic incident.
He revealed that Governor Oborevwori had immediately directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation, adding that some persons linked to the incident have already made statements to the police.
Emu further disclosed that the state government has constituted an Administrative Panel made up of serving and retired civil servants to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to strengthen internal conflict-resolution mechanisms within the public service.
“The essence of the administrative panel is not to conflict with the judicial process or the police investigation. It is to help us rebuild our system and enrich our conflict-management process,” he stated.
He noted that workplace disagreements were inevitable, but must be managed through appropriate institutional channels before they degenerate.
The SSG added that the government had met with leaders of Organized Labour on Thursday in the wake of the incident to reassure them of the safety of the workplace and its commitment to justice.
“We met with Labour yesterday and what Labour wanted was reassurance that there would be justice. Labour, as well as ourselves, agreed that the administrative panel must be set up and the police must do their job.
“All of these things have been done. The entire justice process has started, and we are convinced that having seen the sincerity and transparency of government, labour will do the needful,” Emu said.
He appealed to civil servants across the state to remain calm and go about their duties, assuring them of government’s resolve to protect lives and guarantee a peaceful and safe working environment.
“We are here to establish government concern, register the government’s sincere condolences and tell you (family) that we are with you. There will be no perversion of justice as far as this case is concerned,” he assured.
He urged the bereaved family to take solace in the impactful life lived by the deceased during his years of service, and assured them of government’s continued support.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Godwin Akamakusi, an in-law to the deceased, thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for the visit and show of concern.
He appealed to the government to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death are fully investigated and that justice is served.
