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Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Lamuwa
The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has explained why it has not invited the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Lamuwa, who was accused of sexual harassment by an aide in the Ministry, Mrs Simisola Ajayi.
Recall that Ayaji, an aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had on May 27, 2024, petitioned the then Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, and accused Lamawu of serially making passes at her despite her status as a married woman.
The then Head of Service subsequently suspended the Permanent Secretary and set up a committee to investigate the allegations.
In July 2024, the Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke, summoned the suspended Permanent Secretary to establish what truly transpired between the aide and the accused.
However, the commitment did not meet with the embattled Permanent Secretary even as Oke said the committee only stepped down the summon pending the conclusion of the probe by the Head of the Office and the case is being investigated.
But in what appeared the readiness of the panel to revisit the issue, a lawmaker who has not been sanctioned to speak for the committee said members are awaiting the return of the Chairman (Oke) to decide when to invite Mr Lamuwa to hear his version of the matter.
“You know the National Assembly has just resumed. Our Chairman is out of the country. He gives directives on issues concerning our activities.
“As soon as he returns, I can assure you that we will revisit the matter. No doubt about this,” he said.
Confirming the development in a telephone conversation with Saturday PUNCH, Oke promised to get an update on the case soon.
“I am out of town. When I get back, I will give you an update,” he assured.
