Delta govt suspends works commissioner, gives reasons

The Delta State Government on Monday suspended the State Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads) Reuben Izeze, for allegedly assaulting his aide, Simon Mudi.

The suspension notice is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kingsley Emu in Asaba.

The suspension is linked to a viral video of a fracas at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, in July during a Delta Central Stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress.

Although the fracas did not take place in the APC meeting hall, the governor’s aide was assaulted on the premises after the meeting, prompting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to order an investigation into the matter.

As earlier reported by PREMIUM TIMES, the video shows participants fleeing in panic as several men pursued Mr Mudi, also known as “Temple,” striking him on the head with bottles and throwing chairs at him while he attempted to escape.

Mr Mudi was later seen in the clip dressed in an APC-branded safari receiving treatment in a hospital with visible bruises and a bloodied head.

Although the immediate cause of the attack could not be independently established, the violence underscored growing concerns that political tensions could escalate as parties begin positioning for the 2027 elections.

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who recently defected from the APC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said the incident reflected an emerging pattern of political violence in Delta.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Godwin Anaughe, Mr Omo-Agege described the assault as “political thuggery”.

“A meeting of leaders from a registered political party was violently broken up, and a serving government official was assaulted with dangerous weapons in broad daylight. That this could happen at all says something deeply troubling about where Delta State’s politics is headed,” he said.

Mr Omo-Agege alleged, without presenting evidence, that the attackers were sponsored. He also linked the incident to an earlier alleged attack on NDC governorship candidate in the state, Chris Iyovwaye, who he claimed was prevented by hoodlums from entering his hometown of Agholokpe.

Claiming both incidents were connected, he alleged that the APC was preparing “a coordinated campaign of violence and intimidation” ahead of the 2027 elections to suppress opposition strongholds.

The former deputy Senate president called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Delta and the State Security Service to investigate the incidents, prosecute those responsible and ensure a peaceful political environment before the next general election.

The Delta State Government had rejected the allegations, insisting that the incident should not be exploited for political purposes.

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Why Delta govt suspended commissioner – SSG

The SSG, Mr Emu said the decision to suspend the works commissioner was taken to allow security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident.

He said the state administration remained committed to maintaining public safety, law and order, and to protecting the sanctity of human life.

According to the SSG, these principles will be upheld even when state institutions are involved.

He said the suspension is indefinite, pending the outcome of the investigation.

(NAN)