Senate Confirms Fasina as Non-Career Ambassador Despite Protests

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a Non-Career Ambassadorial nominee, approving his nomination despite protests by civil society organisations that had urged lawmakers to halt the process over allegations against him.

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which recommended that Fasina be confirmed as a Non-Career Ambassador/High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The committee's report was presented during plenary by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) on behalf of the committee chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North).

Presenting the report, Lalong urged the Senate 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," he said.

Although the recommendation received broad support, deliberations were not without dissent.

Some senators raised concerns over the nomination, while others, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), backed the committee's recommendation.

Interestingly, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), who is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and signed the report recommending Fasina's confirmation, later expressed reservations during plenary.

In its findings, the committee said allegations previously made against Fasina had already been investigated by relevant authorities, including the university's Governing Council and the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the committee, both investigations found the allegations to be unsubstantiated.

"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 before the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee for carrying out what he described as a thorough review of the nominee's record.

He noted that the committee relied on reports from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university's governing council in arriving at its recommendation.

Akpabio cautioned lawmakers against basing decisions on unverified claims.

"Honourable senators, we must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay," he said.

Civil Society Groups Had Opposed Nomination

The confirmation comes days after a coalition of civil society organisations staged a protest at the National Assembly, calling on the Senate to suspend Fasina's screening and confirmation.

The protesters cited allegations of sexual harassment, victimisation and human rights violations, while arguing that cases involving the nominee were still pending before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja.

According to the coalition, allowing the judicial process to run its course before confirming the nomination would protect the integrity of Nigeria's diplomatic service and reinforce public confidence in accountability.

Speaking during the protest, lawyer Adeyemo Amira, who represented the coalition, said the demonstration was not driven by personal grievances but by concerns over workplace accountability and Nigeria's international image.

"This issue is bigger than one individual," she said.

Despite the objections, the Senate adopted the committee's recommendation and confirmed Professor Fasina for appointment as a Non-Career Ambassador/High Commissioner, clearing the way for his formal appointment by President Bola Tinubu.