In a statement released on Thursday by Seriki Omowunmi, Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the Ministry dismissed claims of misconduct against its Commissioner, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and revealed shocking details surrounding the incident.
According to the Ministry, Mrs Benson-Awoyinka was on an official inspection of the Centre when she uncovered an unauthorised canteen operated by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku.
The Commissioner questioned the legality of the establishment and initiated its closure. However, events took a dramatic turn when Onikeku allegedly resisted the directive and involved a group of unidentified individuals.
“These non-state actors, neither recognised by the Lagos State Government nor authorised to attend the meeting, barged into the premises and began recording the proceedings on the orders of the Centre Director,” the statement read.
The Ministry strongly condemned the recording, calling it a breach of protocol, and accused the individuals of assaulting a senior female Ministry official during the scuffle.
Contrary to the narrative portrayed in the viral video, the Ministry emphasised that Mrs Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone.
The Commissioner’s firm stance against the unauthorised recording and the participation of unrecognised individuals sparked tension, escalating the situation captured in the now-viral footage.
The Ministry described the video as an attempt to blackmail the Commissioner and distort the facts.
In a bid to address the matter, the Ministry has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
“Appropriate actions will be taken to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our operations,” the statement added.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka reiterated her commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in managing Lagos State’s cultural and tourism assets.
The Ministry has urged the public to disregard the false narrative circulating online, reaffirming its dedication to efficient service delivery and the promotion of Lagos State’s rich cultural heritage.
From PMnewsnigeria
According to the Ministry, Mrs Benson-Awoyinka was on an official inspection of the Centre when she uncovered an unauthorised canteen operated by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku.
The Commissioner questioned the legality of the establishment and initiated its closure. However, events took a dramatic turn when Onikeku allegedly resisted the directive and involved a group of unidentified individuals.
“These non-state actors, neither recognised by the Lagos State Government nor authorised to attend the meeting, barged into the premises and began recording the proceedings on the orders of the Centre Director,” the statement read.
The Ministry strongly condemned the recording, calling it a breach of protocol, and accused the individuals of assaulting a senior female Ministry official during the scuffle.
Contrary to the narrative portrayed in the viral video, the Ministry emphasised that Mrs Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone.
The Commissioner’s firm stance against the unauthorised recording and the participation of unrecognised individuals sparked tension, escalating the situation captured in the now-viral footage.
The Ministry described the video as an attempt to blackmail the Commissioner and distort the facts.
In a bid to address the matter, the Ministry has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
“Appropriate actions will be taken to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our operations,” the statement added.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka reiterated her commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in managing Lagos State’s cultural and tourism assets.
The Ministry has urged the public to disregard the false narrative circulating online, reaffirming its dedication to efficient service delivery and the promotion of Lagos State’s rich cultural heritage.
From PMnewsnigeria
First Off, I watced the video and there was no slap seen or heard but i think she either snatched or attempted to snatch the phone of the man recording her.....
Let me also state here now that the way people record things and put on the Internet in Nigeria, most of you would be in Jail abroad....Aside from recording and expoing people,the individual people in the videos can sue for exposing them or their surrounding and they will win because the data protection law is active in all countries....
Any small things, recording.
ReplyDeleteEven went accident happen.
It's better to hear both sides of a story before judging, see how they're trying to portray her as a bad person
ReplyDeletePearl
There are some times it's good to record
ReplyDeleteIf it was not recording Nigerians would not have know that the teacher slapped that little boy
I really despise that word; "Do you know who I am"😒
ReplyDeleteNa manure las las, nothing dey there
Unauthorized recordings have saved alot of people from the hands of their oppressor/ public office holders.
ReplyDeleteThough should be done properly but when your rights are been trampled on pls record for evidence and safety.
Remember the case of the Bolt driver and an Easten house of Rep member, what would have happened if the driver hadn't recorded...?
Who would have believed him...?
Stella Your footnote is spot on! Nigerians need a lot of unlearning, relearning and reorientation concerning our laws and policies....
ReplyDeleteWhere is NOA and other information agencies....In your time, you grew up with radio jingles and TV ads on some behaviours that should be discontinued....While I understand that some things are common sense, here we have a high level of illiteracy.....Government agencies should educate the people more, since OBJ left office....There is practically no orientation; that is why there is so much mis and disinformation going all around....
Some policies should also be in place on social media regulation....
OK beautiful ma'am
ReplyDelete