Adeda family rejects Delta panel, condolence visit

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By Akpokona Omafuaire, UGHELLI

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The Adeda family has rejected the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up by the Delta State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of their son, Mr Ekuevugbe Adeda.

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The family also rejected a proposed condolence visit by the state government, saying it lacked confidence in the panel and wanted certain issues addressed before engaging with the government.

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The position was contained in a statement posted on Saturday evening by Lloyd Sodje Adeda, brother of the deceased, on his verified Facebook page.

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According to him, the family rejected the proposed condolence visit over what it described as the “gruesome murder” of their brother.

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He listed three reasons for the family’s position.

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He said, “The Chief Prime Suspect, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu (an Agent Of The Government) And Other Suspects Have Not Been Brought To Book.”

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He also alleged that a commissioner, whom the family accused of being involved in the death of their son, remained under the protection of the state government, making it difficult for him to answer the allegations.

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“The State Government should make a public statement on this before any contact with the Family,” he said.

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On the panel of inquiry, Adeda said the family lacked confidence in it because, according to him, its membership consisted only of civil servants.

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“Family members, civil organisations or human rights activists” were not represented on the panel, he alleged.

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The family therefore called for what it described as a more inclusive and credible process in investigating the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

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Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that despite the family’s position, a high-profile delegation from the Delta State Government visited the deceased’s family on Saturday.

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The delegation reportedly assured the family of the government’s willingness to ensure justice for the late Adeda.

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