Workers Protest at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Over Sexual Misconduct by Senior Officials
By Gift Habib
On Tuesday, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a protest in response to ongoing allegations of sexual misconduct within the ministry.
In a video obtained by our correspondent, staff members were seen and heard chanting solidarity songs, with cries of “Indecency in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” echoing through the crowd.
The protest followed several allegations of sexual harassment involving senior officials in the ministry.
According to reports from FIRST CLASS GISTS, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, filed a formal complaint with the Head of Service of the Federation regarding sexual harassment claims against the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa. In a letter dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar expressed grave concern about the allegations involving Mrs. Simisola Ajayi and stressed the need for urgent and thorough action.
“I must inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment. Given the seriousness of this matter, I urge you to address it promptly,” Tuggar wrote.
Ajayi, in a petition dated May 29, 2024, accused the Permanent Secretary of repeated sexual harassment. Represented by her lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), Ajayi called for a detailed investigation into Lamuwa’s conduct.
The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu of Falana & Falana’s chambers, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”
Ajayi recounted multiple instances of alleged harassment by Lamuwa, which she claimed created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment. She cited a specific incident during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances, suggesting she join him in his hotel room, and continued making inappropriate remarks throughout the retreat. Another incident on November 10, 2023, allegedly involved Lamuwa inviting Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits.
