Ebun Olowu
The Ogun State government has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun from office over an allegation of sexual harassment of a 16-year-old girl identified as Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 3, 2021, issued in Abeokuta, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, announced the suspension of the commissioner pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation.
He explained that the state government decided to suspend Abudu-Balogun to enable him to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the police.
“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 continued.
The government assured the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case. In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand it over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment.
SCANDALOUS moment Abiodun Abudu Balogun, Ogun state commissioner 4 Environment lured a 16-yr-old student n forcefully touched her breasts. @dabiodunMFR @HenshawKate @drakindayomi @swemyada @KadariaAhmed @RBiakpara @CACCOT1 @The_Seeker76 @HOBMakanju @dunua @CitizenPeper @jidesalu pic.twitter.com/rExvWU7s3W
— Leading Nigeria's Conversation (@LNCtoday) January 3, 2021
