Reps Prepare For New Inquiry Into Harassment Allegations Against Permanent Secretary

Reps Prepare For New Inquiry Into Harassment Allegations Against Permanent Secretary

The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has clarified its reasons for not yet inviting Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who has been accused of sexual harassment by Mrs. Simisola Ajayi, an aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar……CONTINUE READING 

Ajayi submitted a petition on May 27, 2024, to the then Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, alleging that Lamuwa had repeatedly made inappropriate advances toward her, despite her being a married woman. In response, the Head of Service suspended Lamuwa and initiated a committee to investigate the claims.

In July 2024, the Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Oluwole Oke, the representative for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, summoned Lamuwa to clarify the situation regarding the allegations. However, this summon was postponed, with Oke stating that the committee would wait for the completion of the investigation by the Head of Service before proceeding.

A lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the committee intends to revisit the matter. He noted that members are waiting for Chairman Oke’s return to decide when to officially invite Lamuwa to present his side of the story.

“The National Assembly has just resumed, and our Chairman is currently out of the country. He directs our activities, and once he returns, we will address this issue again without delay,” the lawmaker said.

Oke confirmed this in a phone conversation with Saturday PUNCH, promising to provide an update on the case upon his return. “I’m out of town right now, but I will update you when I get back,” he assured.