Despite protests, senate confirms Fasina as non-career ambassadorial nominee

By Henry Umoru, ABUJA

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina (Lagos) as a Non-Career Ambassadorial nominee despite protests by some civil society organisations against his nomination.

The confirmation followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North).

The report was presented by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), who urged the Senate to consider and approve the nomination of Fasina for appointment as a Non-Career Ambassador/High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Presenting the report, Lalong said: “That the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the confirmation of the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina for appointment as Non-Career Ambassador/High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Following the presentation, some senators opposed his confirmation, while others, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), supported the recommendation of the committee.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee who signed the committee report recommending Fasina’s confirmation, also raised objections during plenary.

The committee, however, stated in its findings that allegations against Fasina had been investigated by relevant authorities, including the university’s Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, which it said found the allegations to be unsubstantiated.

The report stated: “The accusation against Professor Fasina was investigated by competent authorities, including the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, which both found the allegation false.”

In his remarks, Akpabio commended the committee for its work, noting that it relied on reports from the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the university council.

He urged lawmakers to carry out their responsibilities based on facts and evidence, warning against relying on unverified claims.

“Honourable senators, we must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay,” Akpabio said.

The confirmation came days after a coalition of civil society organisations protested at the National Assembly against Fasina’s nomination.

The protesters, who stormed the complex on July 7, urged the Senate to suspend the screening and confirmation process over allegations bordering on sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation.

The coalition argued that Fasina had pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja, and called on the Senate to allow the judicial process to run its course before considering his nomination.

Speaking on behalf of the group, lawyer Adeyemo Amira said the protest was not motivated by personal animosity against Fasina but by concerns over accountability, protection of victims of workplace harassment and Nigeria’s international reputation.

“My name is Adeyemo Amira, and I am here as a concerned Nigerian and a member of civil society, not because I have any personal vendetta against Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. This issue is bigger than one individual,” she said.

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