A damaging allegation bothering on sexual harrassment has hit Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Lamuwa has been accused of sexually harassing one of the female staff members, Simisola Ajayi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has formally lodged a complaint with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HOCSF on the matter.
In a letter dated May 27, 2024, and sighted by AIT.live, Tuggar expressed his concern over the serious nature of the allegation levelled against the Permanent Secretary by Simisola Ajayi and called for an inquiry.
Tuggar wrote “Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly”
The letter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”
The letter further reads “am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment.
The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email by the petitioner, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF of his full cooperation in the investigation.
Spokesperson for the Ministry, Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
When contacted, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the
Minister, Alkasim Abdulkadir, simply said, “No comment. The matter is being looked into by the relevant authorities.”
Ajayi’s petition dated May 29, 2024 accused the Permanent Secretary of “serial sexual harrassment”. Ajayi, through her lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, called for a thorough investigation into the actions of Lamuwa
According to the petition, Ajayi narrated alleged multiple instances of harassment by Lamuwa, which have created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment for her.
According to her, in one instance during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.
He reportedly continued with inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat, Ajayi stated.
She also cited an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip.
Lamuwa however declined comments when contacted on the phone for his reaction.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
