The Governor Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government has justified the suspension of the Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, over the allegation of sexual harassment of a 16-year-old Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.
The governor said the commissioner’s suspension became necessary pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation of sexual misconduct.
Abiodun, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, charged the commissioner to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the Nigeria Police Force.
“Whilst taking cognizance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement issued by Hon. Abudu-Balogun denying the allegation, as a government with zero tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any criminality, the suspension is a further demonstration of the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration to fairness, equity, justice, and the rule of law, no matter who is involved,” the statement said..
Abiodun assured the public that it would do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.
The suspended commissioner has, however, been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment.