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 to the Governor on Protocol, Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple.
The suspension took effect immediately, 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 impartial investigation into the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun, Delta State.
Emu said the suspension was necessary to prevent any possible interference with the investigation.
The statement read, “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 state government reiterated that public safety, law and order, and the protection of human life remained central to the administration’s responsibilities.
It stressed that government institutions and public officials were not above the law, adding that the principle would be upheld regardless of those involved.
“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 alleged confrontation between Izeze and Mudi at the PTI is expected to form part of the investigation by the security agencies.
The government did not specify how long the suspension would last or indicate whether the commissioner would return to office after the investigation.
Izeze, who represents Ughelli South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, was appointed Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads) by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.