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Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has addressed a letter to the Head of Civil Service, raising concerns about allegations of inappropriate behavior by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa towards Mrs. Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi.
Ambassador Tuggar’s letter, dated May 27, 2024, and seen by The Eastern Updates, contains disturbing allegations that Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Lamuwa has fostered a culture of intimidation and harassment, targeting female colleagues in the ministry.
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.
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“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.”
Alkassim Abdulkadir, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, offered a terse confirmation, acknowledging the situation with a brief “It’s true” when approached by our reporter.
Nigeria’s federal constitution explicitly prohibits sexual harassment and stipulates penalties for those who engage in such behavior, providing a legal framework to tackle the issue head-on.
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.
According to the law, attempts to commit sexual assault with the intention of engaging in unnatural sexual acts are considered a serious crime, carrying a maximum penalty of fourteen years’ imprisonment, as stipulated in Section 352.
Section 360 mandates that those who commit indecent assault on a woman or girl will face misdemeanor charges, resulting in imprisonment for up to two years if convicted.
