Delta state suspends works commissioner over assault claims

The Delta State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Works, Reuben Izeze, for allegedly attacking his aide, Simon Mudi. This suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, in Asaba.

The suspension follows a viral video showing a fight at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun during a Delta Central Stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress in July. Although the fight did not happen inside the APC meeting hall, Mr Mudi was assaulted on the premises after the meeting, which led Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to call for an investigation.

The video shows people running away as several men chased Mr Mudi, also called "Temple." They hit him on the head with bottles and threw chairs at him as he tried to escape. In the clip, Mr Mudi is later seen in a hospital wearing an APC-branded safari with visible bruises and a bloody head.

While the exact reason for the attack is not clear, the violence raises worries about rising political tensions as parties start to prepare for the 2027 elections. Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who recently left the APC for the National Democratic Congress, said this incident shows a troubling trend of political violence in Delta.

In a statement from his spokesman, Godwin Anaughe, Mr Omo-Agege called the assault "political thuggery." He said, "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."

Mr Omo-Agege claimed, without evidence, that the attackers were hired. He connected this incident to a previous attack on NDC governorship candidate Chris Iyovwaye, who he said was blocked by thugs from entering his hometown of Agholokpe. He argued that both attacks are linked and said the APC is planning a "coordinated campaign of violence and intimidation" ahead of the 2027 elections to silence opposition.

The former deputy Senate president urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Delta, and the State Security Service to look into these incidents, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure a peaceful environment for the upcoming elections.

The Delta State Government has dismissed these claims, saying the incident should not be used for political gain. Secretary to the State Government, Mr Emu, stated that the decision to suspend the works commissioner allows security agencies to conduct a fair investigation.

He emphasized that the state is committed to public safety, law, and order, and will protect human life. According to Mr Emu, these principles will apply even when state officials are involved. The suspension is indefinite until the investigation is completed.