Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Government has announced the indefinite suspension of the Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Honourable Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben, with immediate effect.
The decision, which comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, was confirmed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Eze Emu.
According to the official communication, the suspension is designed to facilitate an unbiased investigation by Security Agencies into allegations linking the Commissioner to a recent assault on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr Simon Mudi, also known as Temple.
The alleged incident occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, which was the venue of a Delta Central stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Government Commitment to Law and Order
The statement from the government emphasised its unwavering commitment to public safety and the maintenance of law and order. The administration stressed that this position remains paramount, even when institutions of state are implicated in investigations.
The government clarified that the suspension is an administrative measure rather than a declaration of guilt, intended to allow security operatives to conduct their probe without interference.
The PTI Incident
The incident that triggered the suspension took place on 26 July 2026, during the APC stakeholders’ meeting . Eyewitnesses reported that Mr Mudi was subjected to a brutal attack, with bottles and chairs used against him, resulting in injuries that required hospitalisation.
Reports indicate that the violence stemmed from a personal feud between Mr Mudi and Commissioner Izeze, both hailing from the Ughievwen sub-clan of Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The animosity reportedly intensified during consultations for the APC primary for the Ughelli South House of Assembly seat.
Political Context
The incident has raised concerns about political violence in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections . Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege described the assault as “political thuggery” and called for a thorough investigation.
However, the Delta State APC has distanced itself from the violence, maintaining that its stakeholders’ meeting was peaceful and that the chaos occurred outside the conference hall.
Legal Proceedings
Earlier this week, human rights advocates called on the Delta State Police Command to either charge Commissioner Izeze to court or release him from detention, citing constitutional guarantees of personal liberty.
The suspended Commissioner has reportedly been remanded for 14 days by an Effurun State High Court over issues arising from the alleged assault.
Commissioner Izeze has denied involvement in the violence, maintaining he was inside the conference hall when the clash erupted. He has also alleged that he was assaulted during the incident and that personal belongings, including a wristwatch and cash, were taken.
The security agencies are expected to conclude their investigation and establish the facts surrounding the incident before further government action is taken .
