The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has finally broken its silence on the delayed summons of Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who’s embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal.
Mrs. Simisola Ajayi, an aide to Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, filed a petition on May 27, 2024, accusing Lamuwa of persistent, unwanted advances despite knowing she’s married.
The Head of Service swiftly suspended Lamuwa and launched an investigation into the allegations. In July 2024, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Oluwole Oke, summoned Lamuwa to testify about the accusations. However, the committee hasn’t met with him yet.
According to Chairman Oke, the invitation was postponed to allow the Office of the Head of Service to complete its investigation. Oke explained that the probe is ongoing, and the committee decided to delay the meeting until it concludes.
A lawmaker from the committee, speaking off the record, revealed that the panel plans to revisit the issue once Oke returns from his overseas trip.
“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,” the lawmaker said.
Oke himself confirmed the committee’s intentions during a phone conversation with The PUNCH.
“I am out of town. When I get back, I will give you an update,” he assured.
It seems the committee is taking a cautious approach, waiting for the investigation to wrap up before taking further action. With Oke’s return imminent, we can expect developments in this case soon.
