In a troubling incident that has raised serious concerns within the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, has been accused of assaulting a Head of Department (HoD) to the point of causing her to fall into a coma. This violent altercation allegedly took place on August 26 during a heated argument in the office, the specific details of which remain undisclosed.
The Anambra State Government has announced intentions to investigate the matter thoroughly, emphasizing the importance of addressing such serious allegations. Mrs. Achugbu, who was appointed as one of the new permanent secretaries by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has found herself at the center of this controversy.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the confrontation escalated rapidly, culminating in Mrs. Achugbu allegedly strangling her colleague for several minutes. It was only after the intervention of other ministry staff that the situation was de-escalated. The HoD was subsequently rushed to the Emergency Ward of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku-Awka, where she was resuscitated.
Sources within the ministry have reported that physical altercations among senior staff members have become alarmingly common, creating an environment where subordinates feel too intimidated to report any misconduct for fear of retaliation. One anonymous source recounted the chaotic scene, noting that the incident had a profound impact on those who witnessed it.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, there has been a conspicuous lack of formal complaints lodged with the appropriate authorities, attributed largely to the high status of the individuals involved. Insiders suggest that some senior officials are attempting to downplay or obscure the incident, which raises questions about accountability within the ministry.
When approached for comment, Mrs. Achugbu declined to speak on the matter, citing her position as a reason for her silence and directed inquiries to the Head of Service. The Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, acknowledged awareness of the incident through social media but stated that she had not yet received an official report. She pledged to take appropriate action following a thorough investigation.
“I saw the report on social media on Friday, August 23, 2024,” Igwegbe stated. “While I have not received a formal report against the Permanent Secretary, I am actively seeking to understand the situation better.” Her commitment to transparency and due process reflects the standards outlined in the Public Service Rules (2021), which impose strict guidelines on employee conduct and sanctions for any breaches.
Furthermore, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, has not been reachable for comments regarding the incident, as attempts to contact her via phone and messages went unanswered.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate parties involved, as it highlights significant concerns about workplace culture and the treatment of employees within the Anambra State government. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the allegations and restore faith in the integrity of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and a supportive environment within public service sectors, where all employees should feel safe and respected in their workplace.
