Sexual assaults on staff: Foreign affairs minister writes HoS over Perm Secretary

The Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, has accused Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi of sexual assault. Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has addressed a letter to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HoS.

According to Ambassador Tuggar’s letter dated May 27, 2024, which Vanguard was able to view, he was compelled to file a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary on the grounds that Ibrahim Lamuwa had been intimidating female ministry employees.

In the letter titled; ‘RE: OFFICIAL COMPLAINT REGARDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF MRS SIMISOLA FAJEMIROKUN AJAYI BY AMBASSADOR IBRAHIM ADAMU LAMUWA (PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS)”, Tuggar offered to assist in the investigation, advising the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to handle the matter accordingly.

The letter signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister, reads in part; “I 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.

“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.

“Please find attached a copy of the complaint I received via email. May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities.”

When contacted on the issue, Special Adviser, Media and Communications Strategy to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Alkassim Abdulkadir affirmed the story as he simply replied with, ‘It’s true’.

However, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemned sexual harassment and provided sanctions against perpetrators.

The Section 351 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria says, “Any person who unlawfully assaults another is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable, if no greater punishment is provided, to imprisonment for one year.

Section 352: Any person who assaults another with intent to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

Section 360: Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman or girl is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years.