Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that no government appointee or member of his administration is above the law, stressing that anyone who commits an offence must face investigation and prosecution irrespective of his position.
The governor stated this while reacting to the suspension and arrest of the state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, over allegations surrounding the reported assault of his Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple.
The Delta State Government had on Monday announced the indefinite suspension of Izeze to enable security agencies conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations.
Speaking on the development, Oborevwori said his administration would not interfere with the work of security agencies or shield any official accused of committing an offence.
He said: “One thing I don’t take is that whether you are a government appointee, whether you are part of the system, if you commit offence, not specifically one of our commissioners was involved in some issue of assault, we ordered police to investigate the case and the man was arrested and charged to court.
“You can’t be asking, are you in the government? So, to tell you how disciplined we are as a state, we have always shown support and collaborated with all security agencies and security commanders.”
The governor maintained that the government’s position was informed by its commitment to accountability and the rule of law, insisting that political or government status should not be used as a shield against criminal investigation.
Oborevwori further emphasised the importance of the existing relationship between the state government and security agencies, attributing the relative peace being enjoyed in Delta State to the collaboration.
According to him, “the peace we are enjoying today is the collaboration between the state and the security agencies and security commanders.”
The governor’s comments came amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged assault involving Izeze and the governor’s aide.
The suspension of the commissioner, according to the state government, was intended to ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference and that the security agencies are allowed to carry out their duties independently.
Oborevwori said the development should also serve as evidence of his administration’s willingness to uphold discipline and accountability, regardless of the status of individuals involved in alleged offences.
He reiterated that his administration would continue to collaborate with the police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state.
The governor’s position underscores the administration’s stated policy that government appointments do not confer immunity from investigation or prosecution where an alleged offence has been committed.
