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Three More Women Testify Against Suspended PS Of Foreign Affairs Min Over Alleged $exual Hara$sment
At least three more women have testified against the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa on the same allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by one Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi who is said to be an aide to the minister.
Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi had earlier written a petition to the minister which forced the latter to equally write to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, to probe the allegation.
This made the Head of Service set up a panel to investigate the allegations after suspending the Permanent Secretary, pending the probe’s outcome.
However, findings by an online medium revealed that at least three more women had approached the probe panel to lodge similar allegations of sexual harassment against the Permanent Secretary.
Meanwhile, the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, the labour union in the Ministry, had also accused the permanent Secretary of high-handedness, maladministration, favouritism and financial improprieties, which, according to them, had significantly affected the welfare and rights of the workers.
In a petition addressed to the Minister, Ambassador Tuggar and dated 11th of June, 2024, the staff union accused the Permanent Secretary of relegating all issues that had to do with staff welfare, allowances, emoluments, training etc to the background.
They specifically highlighted the denial of various benefits the workers were entitled to, which had been a source of their discontent for months.
In the petition obtained by PRNigeria, the union listed and explained in detail the series of benefits that the workers were entitled to that Ambassador Lamuwa had been denying them for months.
They accused him of unduly and illegally favouring a certain category of people and victimising those who did not dance to his tunes, in the area of posting, training and other benefits like Hajj seats.
Some of his alleged crimes against the labour union as listed in the petition include delay in payment of some benefits, delay in promotion and conversion of staff, lack of transparency in posting exercise, delay in paying of clothing allowance, discrimination in paying First 28 Days Allowance, lack of fairness in the distribution of the 2024 Hajj seats, inadequate posting of Batch B officers to foreign missions, poor sanitation and hygiene due to insufficient water supply, lack of work tools, dilapidated office buildings, refusal to pay the 25th regular course allowance for nine months among others.
In the petition signed by JNC Chairman, Comrade Ali Seidu, and Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Akpana S.E, the union urged the Minister to look into their grievances and address the series of injustice allegedly done by the Permanent Secretary to avoid a drastic action by the workers.
“Consequent upon the maladministration, dwindling level of productivity occasioned by the administrative leadership apathy in the ministry, the JNC has been engaging with the management thinking its solidarity with the authorities of the Ministry will yield positive results and prompt action on pending issues.
“Unfortunately, there was no corresponding improvement instead, the management has become worse, unreceptive and very harsh to everyone who dares to speak and ask questions. Victimisation, intimidation, and harassment has become a tool the management uses to shut critics while the staff of the Ministry continue to suffer.
“The staff of the Ministry are outraged by the egregious neglect, surreptitious administrative skullduggery, manipulations and commercialisation of the Ministry’s activities by the Permanent Secretary and his allies under the guise of rejuvenation. They have introduced harmful practices that threaten the very fabric of our Institution. We demand an immediate end to all their destructive policies and a return to the principles of fairness, equity and transparency. We call on the Honourable Minister to direct the authorities to investigate these grievances and take swift action.
“We the staff hereby give a 21-days ultimatum to the Management to immediately address the grievances outlined in our communiqué, failure to do so will be met with strong resistance,” the petition read in part.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
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