Breaking: Ogun governor suspends Commissioner over alledged sexual harassment

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abdu-Balogun has been suspended from office indefinitely for alledged sexual harassment of a 16 year old Secondary School student, Barakat Melojuekun.

The embattled Commissioner had in a viral video on social media been accused of an attempted sexual harassment at his Ibiade residence in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Since the video hit the public domain, there have been sorts of embarrassment to the Ogun State government as he tried to exonerate himself in a statement he made available to journalists on Saturday.

The Commissioner in a statement described the allegation as cheap blackmail on the part of his political adversaries to tarnish his image.

The governor, Prince.Dapo Abiodun said, the suspension of his Commissioner was to pave way for serious investigation to be carried out.

The statement which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi which was made to journalists on Sunday in Abeokuta advised the Commissioner to cooperate fully with investigators and the Police.

It said: “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 government assured the public that it would do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.

The suspended Commissioner had been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry with immediate effect.