On Sunday January 3, 2020, Ogun State Government announced the suspension of its Commissioner for Environment, Mr Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, over alleged sexual harassment of a 16-year-old girl.
This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tokunbo Talabi, in Abeokuta.
Talabi said that the suspension had become 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 commitment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration 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.
“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.
“In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment,” he said.
We, however, noticed that a wrong photograph was used for the story.
The wrong photograph was pulled down immediately.
Management, Freedom Online
