HoCSF contests Perm Sec suspension over alleged sexual harassment

The Office of the Head of the Public Service of the Federation (OHoCSF) has denied media reports that the Head of the Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, suspended the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, over allegations of sexual harassment by a female ministerial assistant.

Some media platforms reported that Yemi-Esan ordered the immediate suspension of the Permanent Secretary after the head of service set up a commission to investigate the matter.

According to the report, the Head of the Federation’s Civil Service said the Permanent Secretary would be suspended pending the outcome of an immediate investigation into the allegations against him.

But a senior official in the Office of the Chief Public Officer, who wished to remain anonymous, refuted the report of the Secretary of State’s suspension, saying he had no knowledge of such a suspension.

“The Secretary of State was questioned and a committee was set up to investigate the matter.

“After receiving the request, a committee will examine the allegation and its response. If there is then cause for further investigation, the suspension will be ordered so that the investigation can be carried out properly.

“If not, they will take action after the full investigation is completed. So what you read in the newspapers is pure speculation because I am not aware of any suspension,” he said.

It would be recalled that an aide to the Minister of Public Affairs, Mrs Simisola Ajayi, had accused Lamuwa of repeated sexual harassment in a petition dated 29 May 2024 addressed to her superior, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request for an investigation into cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, abuse of office, official intimidation and discrimination by Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa.”

According to the petition, Ajayi reported several incidents of alleged harassment by Lamuwa, which created an unsafe and unpleasant work environment for her.

For example, she alleged that Lamuwa made inappropriate advances towards her during a political retreat on October 7, 2023, and suggested that she accompany him to his hotel room. He reportedly made inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat.

She also referred to an incident on 10 November 2023 in which Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong and promised her significant personal benefits from the trip.