Contrary to reports that the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, has been suspended from office over allegations bordering on intimidation and sexual harassment by an aide to the Minister, our correspondent can authoritatively report that the Permanent Secretary embarked on his annual leave some days ago.
A highly placed source at the office of the Head of Service of the Federation on Thursday evening upon enquiries told our correspondent that the Permanent Secretary, decided on his own to take his annual vacation to face the false accusations which he believed were hatched to distract him from his duty.
According to the source, “Civil Service Rules and Regulations are spelt out clearly and the Head of Service of the Federation is well experienced, she will apply the rules accordingly and ensure fair hearing in investigating the matter thoroughly before taking a decision on whether suspending the Ambassador or taking a punitive action against him if he is found wanting.
“Nigeria’s Civil Service is not a motor park where touts decide what happens. We have rules and processes. Yes an investigation has been instituted, but there is no suspension.”
He further added that the Office of the Head of Service is handling the matter carefully to avoid any misapplication of justice to the parties involved.
Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the embattled Permanent Secretary has maintained that the allegations of sexual harassment by an aide who doubles as the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, were false and fabricated.
In a response provided by his legal representative, and seen by our correspondent, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry denied making any sexual advances at the Minister’s aide, stating that his insistence on financial prudence and due process led to his friction with Mrs Fajemirokun-Ajayi.
“We wish to state categorically that our client has never made any sexual advances towards Mrs. Simisola O. Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who he is aware is a married woman, neither has he ever made suggestive comments or innuendos that requested any form of untoward relationship between himself and her,” a part of the statement read.
It further explained that the Permanent Secretary’s jocular remarks and ordinary conversations with the petitioner were misinterpreted by the aide.
