Political Attack: Gov Oborevwori Suspends Commissioner

A High Court sitting in Effurun, Delta state, has remanded the state Commissioner for Works, Highway and Urban Roads, Reuben Izeze.

The 14-day reminder was over an alleged attack on Temple Mudi, a Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

A few minutes after the court’s remand order, the Delta State government announced the indefinite suspension of Izeze with immediate effect.

The suspension was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, on Monday.

According to the statement, the decision was taken to allow security agencies to conduct an unbiased investigation into allegations linking the Commissioner to the recent assault on  the Senior Special Assistant to the  Governor on Protocol, Mr Simon Mudi, popularly known as “Temple,” at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.

Dr Emu said the suspension was necessary to ensure that the investigation into the incident is conducted without interference and to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

The state government, he said, remains committed to maintaining public safety and law and order, as well as protecting the sanctity of human life under all circumstances.

He stressed, “The government’s commitment to these principles remains firm even when allegations involve officials or institutions of the state.

“The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in force indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation by the relevant security agencies”, it stated.

Recalled that over a week ago, there was violence that followed the Delta All Progressive Congress (APC) Delta Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Effurun, where Izeze accused Uvwie local government Chairman, Chief Tony Ofoni, of masterminding an assault on him during the incident.

The Commissioner disclosed that he was speaking on the telephone with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), when his phone was allegedly snatched during the assault.

He alleged that Ofoni ordered that he be handcuffed before directing suspected thugs to beat him, claiming he sustained injuries and lost several personal belongings, including his blue-strapped Guess wristwatch, prescription glasses and about ₦400,000.

According to the Commissioner, the council chairman removed his Tinubu/Sheriff-branded cap and prescription glasses, leaving him unable to identify his attackers.

He further alleged that he was punched in the face, causing him to bleed, while the attackers carted away his valuables.

Izeze also claimed that Ofoni told those present he was acting on the directive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, an assertion the Commissioner rejected, insisting he did not believe the Governor authorised the attack.

Vowing to seek legal redress, Izeze said those responsible would be held accountable.

Then, the Delta state government condemned the violence and directed security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would not tolerate violence, regardless of the status of those implicated.

The development comes after the Delta APC maintained that its Delta Central stakeholders’ meeting at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, was peaceful, insisting that the violence occurred elsewhere within the PTI premises, not inside the conference venue. The party also denied reports of any internal crisis, describing such claims as misleading.