Civil servants in Delta State will return to work on Monday, September 28, after organised labour called off its action over the death of a senior government official.
The workers had shut down the state secretariat in Asaba to demand a probe into the death of Mr. Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Labour leaders said they decided to end the strike following a meeting with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who has now set up an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a joint directive on Saturday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Delta State Council, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Willson Asekutu, instructed all workers to be at their duty posts by 8:00 a.m. on Monday.
Ofobruku said labour was satisfied with the governor’s assurance that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
He noted that security agencies have already taken over the criminal part of the investigation and some arrests have been made.
“The criminal aspect is being investigated and arrests have been made. All parties found culpable shall be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The labour chairman assured workers that returning to work does not mean the struggle is over.
According to him, the unions will closely monitor the panel’s work and ensure the truth is uncovered.
He added that labour would leave no stone unturned in demanding answers.
Ofobruku praised workers for their unity and for protesting peacefully, saying their solidarity forced government to act quickly.
He also assured the family of the late deputy director that workers stand with them in this period of mourning and investigation.
While urging colleagues to go back and continue delivering services to the people of Delta State, the labour leader said workers remain calm but watchful.
