The Anambra State Government has said thatv it will investigate and take necessary action regarding a reported fight and alleged strangulation incident between the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, and a female Head of Department in the ministry.
The incident, which occurred on August 15, left the HOD with severe injuries before she was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
While the cause of the fight is still unknown, sources claim that physical assaults have become a recurring issue among top staff members in the ministry, with subordinates afraid to report the incidents for fear of victimization.
According to eyewitnesses, the fight broke out during an argument between the two women over a yet-to-be-disclosed matter. The altercation allegedly turned violent, with one of the parties involved attempting to strangle the other.
The situation was brought under control by colleagues who intervened and separated the two women.
The victim was immediately taken to the Emergency Ward of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku-Awka, where she received treatment and was later resuscitated.
The Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, has confirmed that she is aware of the incident and has started asking questions to ascertain what happened, pending a formal report. “I saw the report on social media on Friday, August 23, 2024. I have not received a formal report against the Permanent Secretary in question as provided by Section 7, Chapter 10 of the Public Service Rules (2021),” she stated.
Igwegbe vowed to take action after a thorough investigation and findings have been concluded, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate any form of misconduct or physical assault among public servants.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, could not be reached for comments on the development.
