A collective of 500 women organizations under the banner of Womanifesto on Friday called on Ogun State Government to allow thorough investigation into sexual allegation against the suspended Commissioner for Environment, Hon Abiodun Abudu-Balogun.
Penpushing reports that, the call was contained in letter issued by the women group signed by Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi Executive Director Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in consent with all the organizations across the country
The body, however, commended the government for its swift response in suspending the alleged commissioner, but, however, warned against putting the outcome of the investigation under the carpet, if the commissioner is found guilty.
Penpushing further reports that,the group declared that if the government acted contrary to outcome of report, if Abudu-Balogun is found wanting, will not hesitate to institute court case against him
‘Womanifesto is constrained to issue a public statement on the sexual harassment scandal involving Mr. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, the Commissioner of Environment in Ogun State. This unfortunate incident allegedly occurred on December31, 2020 at the residence of the Commissioner for Environment’.
‘We have since followed this ugly development with keen interest, especially as it comes at a time that the Ogun State Government has committed to zero tolerance for violence against women.
‘It is bewildering, to say the least, that a Commissioner in the same Government that had taken novel and unprecedented steps in 2020 against Gender-Based Violence by inaugurating a Gender Based Violence Prohibition Committee to respond appropriately to any infraction of the law, as statutorily required by the Violence Against Women Prohibition Law of Ogun State,2018’.
‘In furtherance of its commitment, the State Government adopted a Sex Offenders’ Register to record and publish names of sex offenders. Mr. Abudu-Balogun’s despicable act, therefore, is a textbook case of persistent disregard of the law by public office holders who have sworn allegiance to the law’.
‘We commend the State Government’s swift response to the matter by way of suspending the Commissioner. While this is laudable, it must not be allowed to end there’.
‘It is imperative as matter of urgency that further steps must be taken to ensure that investigation into the allegations is carried out thoroughly, and if found guilty, Mr. Abudu-Balogun be brought to justice’.
‘If appropriate action is not taken by the State Government in response to this scandal, the inaction will be counterproductive and an own goal by the Government in light of the measures already taken by Ogun Government to end sexual violence’.
‘In fact, it could be interpreted as a ploy to shield the Commissioner from the law and prevent him from paying for his crimes. If that happens, the Feminist Womanifesto will have no choice but to initiate its own sexual harassment, intimidation and coercion case against Mr. Abudu-Balogun with the evidence at its disposal’.
‘The Ogun State Government therefore, should give credence to its zero-tolerance commitment to sexual violence by handling these allegations against its Commissioner appropriately’.
‘This will send a clear message that no one is above the law and serve as a deterrent to potential defaulters no matter how highly placed, while at the same time, encouraging other victims to report incidents of sexual abuse’.
‘The Government should employ the mechanisms already in place to bring sexual predators to book and protect Ms. Barakat Melojuekun and other girls like her. This will set a precedent not only in Ogun State but the nation at large’.
Penpushing also reports that, Feminist Womenifesto a collective of more than 500 women organizations and individuals working across Nigeria to attain gender justice and gender equality, emphasized that it will continue to offer support to Government, police and law enforcement agencies to address the pandemic of sexual violence and promote accountability to the people.
Meanwhile, the letter was forwarded to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Commissioner of Police,Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission and media
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