Senate Confirms Fasina as Non-Career Ambassador Despite Protests

The Senate has confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a Non-Career Ambassadorial nominee despite opposition from some lawmakers and protests by civil society organisations over allegations against him.

 

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, presented by Senator Simon Lalong during Thursday’s plenary.

 

The committee recommended Fasina’s confirmation, stating that allegations against him had been investigated by the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, both of which found the claims to be unsubstantiated.

 

Although some senators raised objections, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi supported the committee’s recommendation.

 

Akpabio urged lawmakers to base their decisions on verified facts rather than unconfirmed allegations.

 

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

 

The confirmation comes days after a coalition of civil society organisations protested at the National Assembly, calling for the suspension of Fasina’s screening over allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation.

 

The protesters argued that pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja should be resolved before his nomination was considered.

 

However, the Senate proceeded with the confirmation after relying on reports from the Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the university’s Governing Council.