ASABA — The family of late Mr. Unity Ekuevugbe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State civil service, has rejected the Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, citing concerns over its composition and the handling of the case.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the deceased’s brother, Lloyd Sodje Adeda, on his verified Facebook page.
According to the family, its rejection of the panel was based on three major concerns: the failure to bring those it considers suspects to justice, alleged attempts to shield a government official it believes is connected to the incident, and the absence of independent representation in the panel.
The family specifically named Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu as the principal suspect, alleging that he and other persons it considers connected to the incident had yet to be brought to justice.
It also accused the state government of protecting the commissioner, whom it believes is linked to the incident, and called for a public response to the allegations.
The family further faulted the composition of the panel, arguing that it was made up entirely of civil servants, without representation from the deceased’s relatives, civil society organisations or human rights groups.
It said the absence of such independent representation had undermined its confidence in the panel’s ability to conduct a credible and acceptable investigation.
“The family does not have confidence in the Administrative Panel of Inquiry, since it consists of only civil servants, with no family members, civil organisations or human rights activists involved in the panel,” the statement read.
The family urged the state government to address its concerns before making further contact with them.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Delta State Government reportedly visited the family on Saturday, despite its earlier position, and conveyed the government’s commitment to ensuring that justice was pursued in connection with Adeda’s death.
The allegations against the named individuals have not been established by a court of law. The panel is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and make recommendations.
Credit: PGS News Online except headline
