Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has suspended his commissioner for environment Abiodun Abudu-Balogun over alleged sexual harassment of a 16 year- old girl.
Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi stated this in a press release on Sunday.
Mr Talabi said the suspension became necessary to enable the police to carry out an independent investigation into the matter.
He noted that the suspect had denied the allegation and was entitled to his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The SSG, however, said that the suspension was a further demonstration of the administration’s commitment to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law.
“We take cognisance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement issued by Abudu-Balogun denying the allegation,” the statement read.
“We, however, run a government with a zero-tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any criminality.
“The suspension is a further demonstration of the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved.
“The government assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.”
The suspended commissioner has been directed to hand over to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment.
