- Senate Confirms Professor Fasina As Ambassador Despite CSO Protests
- Lawmakers approved the nomination despite protests and objections from civil groups
- The committee said investigations cleared Fasina of all allegations
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a Non Career Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite objections from some lawmakers and sustained opposition from civil society organisations.
The confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which cleared Fasina for appointment after reviewing his nomination.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that presenting the committee’s report during plenary, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) urged lawmakers to approve the nomination.
“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,” Lalong said.
Following the presentation, the Senate considered the report and subsequently confirmed Fasina’s appointment.
The report was prepared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), which recommended the nominee for confirmation.
The confirmation, however, generated debate during plenary, with some senators expressing reservations over the nomination.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) supported the committee’s recommendation, insisting that the Senate should rely on the findings of relevant investigative authorities.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), who is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and had signed the report recommending Fasina’s confirmation, also raised concerns during the debate despite supporting the committee’s report.
Committee Says Allegations Were Investigated
According to the committee, allegations levelled against Fasina had already been investigated by competent authorities and were found to be unsubstantiated.
The report stated that both the university’s Governing Council and the Nigeria Police Force cleared the nominee after reviewing the allegations.
“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,” the report stated.
Speaking during the debate, Akpabio commended the committee for relying on reports from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the university’s Governing Council.
He urged senators to base their decisions on verified evidence rather than speculation.
“Honourable senators, we must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay,” Akpabio said.
The Senate’s decision came days after a coalition of civil society organisations protested at the National Assembly, calling for the suspension of Fasina’s screening and confirmation.
The protesters cited allegations of sexual harassment, victimisation and human rights violations against the nominee.
The coalition also argued that there were pending cases involving Fasina before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja and urged the Senate to allow the judicial process to run its course before making a final decision.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, lawyer Adeyemo Amira said the campaign was
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