Public Fight Allegation Lands Delta Commissioner in Suspension

The Delta State Government has suspended the Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, indefinitely following allegations linking him to an assault involving a senior aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The suspension took immediate effect, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu.
The government said the decision was taken to allow security agencies to conduct an unbiased investigation into the allegation without interference. The incident reportedly occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State.
The state government stressed that the suspension should not be regarded as a declaration of guilt against Izeze, describing it instead as an administrative measure to enable investigators establish the facts surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, the suspension would “enable the security agencies to carry out an unbiased investigation” into allegations linking the commissioner with the assault of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mr Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple, at the PTI in Effurun.
Mudi, popularly known as Temple, serves as the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol. The alleged confrontation between him and the commissioner is currently being investigated by security agencies.
The state government said it was necessary to ensure that the investigation was free from any possible influence, stressing that protecting residents and maintaining public order remained key responsibilities of the administration.
“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 said.
The government added that the principle applies “even when institutions of state are involved.”
No specific timeline was provided for the investigation, and the government did not indicate when or under what conditions Izeze could return to office.
The commissioner’s suspension therefore remains indefinite while the relevant security agencies investigate the allegations and determine the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.