The Urhobo Progress Union, UPU Worldwide, has called on Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to suspend the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, following his arrest in connection with the death of a Deputy Director in the ministry.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kehinde Taiga, the UPU said the suspension would allow for an impartial investigation while respecting the Commissioner’s presumption of innocence and right to a fair hearing.
The union also urged the Police to conduct an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, including all persons allegedly connected to the case.
It further called for justice for the deceased and adequate protection for witnesses.
Details of the extract below;
DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S DEATH: UPU DEMANDS JUSTICE, INVESTIGATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide strongly condemns the circumstances surrounding the death of a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, following an alleged assault reportedly linked to Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, Commissioner for Secondary Education, and persons allegedly acting with or on his behalf.
The UPU demands an immediate, independent and transparent criminal investigation into the incident.
Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) guarantees the fundamental right to life. Where an unlawful killing is established as murder under the applicable criminal law, Section 319 of the Criminal Code prescribes the punishment for murder, subject to the law and due process.
We therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force, pursuant to its statutory responsibility for the prevention and detection of crime and prosecution of offenders, to investigate the matter without fear or favour.
The UPU specifically demands that Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu and every other person reasonably suspected of involvement be invited, investigated and, where the evidence and law justify it, arrested and charged before a competent court.
We further call on the Governor of Delta State to take decisive administrative action concerning the Commissioner pending investigation, including relieving him of his office where necessary, to eliminate any actual or perceived interference with the investigation.
No public office is a shield against criminal accountability. No person is above the law.
<span;>At the same time, the UPU recognises the constitutional right to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence. Any person accused must ultimately be tried according to law and convicted only upon proof before a competent court.
The UPU demands JUSTICE FOR THE DECEASED and calls for the preservation of all relevant evidence and protection of witnesses.
<span;>The law must prevail. The truth must be established. Justice must be done.
<span;>Signed:
Comr. Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga
National Publicity Secretary
Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide