The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa, appears to be in deep trouble as an allegation of sexual harassment has been levelled against him.
The minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, wrote a letter of complaint to the head of service of the federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, asking the HoS to take action against Lamuwa over the alleged sexual harassment of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun.
The complaint was contained in a letter made available to newsmen, dated May 27, 2024, titled; ‘RE: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi by Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs)”
In the letter he signed, the minister said, “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 sexual harassment allegations.
“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, the special adviser, media and communications strategy to the minister Alkassim Abdulkadir, said, “The matter is being looked into by the appropriate authorities.”
Sexual harassment is frowned upon by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
Section 352 stipulates that “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 14 years.
Section 360 adds that “Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman or girl is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years.”