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Ogun State Nurses Allege Sexual Harassment, Workplace Abuse In Judiciary Staff Clinic In Ilaro, Oppose Planned Transfer Of Assault Victim
Ogun State Nurses Allege Sexual Harassment, Workplace Abuse In Judiciary Staff Clinic In Ilaro, Oppose Planned Transfer Of Assault Victim
NEWS
The Nigerian Record
8/1/20263 min read
The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has accused authorities in Ogun State of attempting to intimidate, harass and victimise a nurse allegedly assaulted while serving at the Judiciary Staff Clinic in Ilaro, warning that any move to transfer the victim during ongoing investigations would amount to victimisation.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum alleged that the handling of the incident had raised concerns about attempts to suppress demands for accountability rather than ensure justice.
According to the group, several nurses working in judiciary staff clinics across Ogun State have contacted the organisation since the alleged assault became public, reporting incidents of workplace abuse, intimidation, humiliation and sexual harassment.
The ENF said the reports suggested the existence of a hostile work environment where nurses allegedly endure abuse in silence for fear of victimisation or punitive transfers.
The organisation claimed it had received voice recordings, photographs and other materials from affected workers but had deliberately withheld them from public release.
"The Elegant Nurses Forum is in possession of information, voice recordings, photographs and other materials submitted by affected persons. We have deliberately chosen not to release these materials because our objective is not to embarrass individuals or institutions but to ensure that justice is done and lasting reforms are implemented. However, let no one mistake our restraint for weakness," the statement said.
The forum also made allegations of sexual harassment involving some judicial officers in parts of Ogun East and Ota, claiming they allegedly demanded inappropriate body massages from nurses under circumstances suggesting abuse of office.
"One particularly disturbing allegation repeatedly brought to our attention is that some judicial officers in parts of Ogun East and Otta have allegedly demanded inappropriate body massages from Nurses under circumstances that raise serious concerns about abuse of authority and sexual harassment," the group alleged.
It stressed that if such allegations were established through an independent investigation, they would constitute a gross abuse of office and a violation of professional ethics.
The organisation further raised concerns over the conduct of Mr. Omololu Davies, identified as the Administrative/Area Court Registrar (ACR) of the High Court, Ilaro.
According to the forum, information available to it suggested Davies had previously been transferred from Ogun East to Ilaro under disciplinary circumstances.
"We therefore ask the appropriate authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding that transfer and determine whether previous complaints, if any, were adequately investigated," the statement said.
The ENF also alleged that the same official had continued to harass female staff, including married women, at his current posting, insisting the allegations required a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation.
The forum further alleged that sources within the Ogun State Ministry of Health informed it that efforts were being made through the Office of the Attorney General to pressure the Hospitals Management Board into transferring the assaulted nurse to a location far from her family.
"If this information is true, such action would amount to nothing less than victimisation.
"Punishing a victim instead of protecting her is completely unacceptable. No civilised society should reward those who allegedly abuse power while punishing those who seek justice," the organisation stated.
Citing Sections 17, 34 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the ENF argued that every Nigerian is entitled to dignity, protection from degrading treatment and humane working conditions.
The group also referenced international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and International Labour Organization standards, saying they all prohibit workplace violence, discrimination and harassment.
"It would be a tragic irony if those entrusted with interpreting and upholding the law become associated with conduct that undermines the very principles of justice they are sworn to protect," the statement added.
The organisation called for an independent investigation into the alleged assault, an immediate halt to any intimidation or transfer of the nurse, and a wider probe into allegations of sexual harassment and workplace abuse across judiciary clinics in Ogun State.
It also urged the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations and international bodies to intervene.
The ENF further appealed to the World Health Organization and other international health partners to review engagements where there was credible evidence that health workers were being subjected to systematic abuse or victimisation.
"The Government of Ogun State must understand that respect for Nurses is not optional.
"Nurses are licensed professionals who devote their lives to preserving human life. They deserve protection, dignity, respect and justice; not intimidation, harassment or victimisation.
"The Elegant Nurses Forum remains committed to pursuing every lawful and democratic avenue available until justice is achieved.
"Justice delayed is justice denied. An injury to one Nurse is an injury to the entire Nursing profession," the statement added.