Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Delta State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, indefinitely over allegations linking him to the assault of the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Monday in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu.
According to the government, the decision was taken to enable security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun.
Mudi was said to have been attacked during a political gathering at the institute and reportedly sustained injuries in the altercation.
Explaining the suspension, the government said it was necessary to ensure that investigators could carry out their work without interference.
The statement read in part, “The suspension is to enable the security agencies to carry out an unbiased investigation of allegations associating him with the assault on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr Simon Mudi, also known as Temple, at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, recently.”
The government said the circumstances surrounding the incident and the roles of those involved would be determined through the ongoing investigation.
It reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety, law and order, and protecting lives across the state.
“The State Government remains committed to the maintenance of public safety in all circumstances which guarantees law and order and the sanctity of lives,” the statement added.
The administration further stated that the principle applies in all situations, including those involving public institutions and government officials.
Authorities did not indicate how long the suspension would remain in effect or when the investigation would be concluded.
The government also noted that the suspension is an administrative measure intended to facilitate the probe and does not amount to a determination of guilt.
