KEY POINTS
- Delta suspended Works Commissioner Izeze Reuben indefinitely.
- The move follows an alleged assault involving a governor’s aide.
- Security agencies will investigate the incident.
The Delta State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Izeze Reuben, indefinitely over allegations linking him to the recent assault of a senior aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The state government said the suspension will allow security agencies to investigate the incident freely and determine what happened without interference.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Kingsley Eze Emu.
The government ordered the immediate suspension of Izeze Reuben as Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads).
The suspension followed allegations surrounding an incident involving Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple, who serves as the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol.
According to the state government, Mudi was allegedly assaulted at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun during a political gathering.
Mudi reportedly suffered injuries during the incident, leading to concerns about the circumstances surrounding the assault and the people who may have been involved.
The Delta State Government said the suspension is intended to give security agencies the opportunity to carry out an impartial investigation into the allegations.
The authorities are expected to examine what led to the incident, establish what happened during the alleged assault and determine whether anyone should be held responsible.
The government did not state that the commissioner had been found guilty of any wrongdoing. Instead, his suspension is aimed at allowing the investigation to proceed without possible interference.
The circumstances surrounding the incident and the role, if any, played by the commissioner remain subject to investigation.
Government stresses commitment to public safety
The state government said it remains committed to protecting lives, maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety across Delta State.
It said these responsibilities apply to everyone, including government officials and institutions.
The government also stressed the importance of allowing the appropriate security authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The suspension is therefore expected to remain in place while the investigation into the allegations continues.
The alleged assault took place at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun during a political gathering.
Mudi, who works as an aide to Governor Oborevwori, was reportedly attacked and injured during an altercation.
The incident has attracted attention because of Mudi’s position within the state government and the allegations connecting a serving commissioner to the events.
The security investigation is expected to provide more information about what happened and whether any individuals should face further action.
The indefinite suspension means Izeze Reuben will remain out of office until the state government determines the next course of action.
The findings of the security agencies are expected to play an important role in determining whether the suspension will be lifted, extended or followed by further measures.
For now, the Delta State Government has maintained that the main objective is to ensure an independent investigation and establish the facts surrounding the alleged assault.
The development also sends a signal that the state government intends to subject allegations involving public officials to investigation where necessary, particularly when such incidents involve concerns about public safety and the conduct of government officials.
