Drama In Senate As Fasina Secures Ambassadorial Confirmation Amid Protests

The confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which recommended Fasina’s appointment after reviewing his nomination.

Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), through Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), urged the Senate to approve Fasina’s nomination as a Non-Career Ambassador and High Commissioner.

“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.

After deliberations, the Senate adopted the committee’s report and confirmed the nomination.

The decision, however, sparked debate on the floor of the chamber.

While a number of senators opposed the confirmation, others, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), backed the committee’s recommendation.

Notably, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee who signed the report endorsing Fasina, also voiced reservations during the plenary.

Committee Says Allegations Were Investigated

The committee maintained that allegations against Fasina had been thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities and found to be without merit.

According to the report, both the university’s Governing Council and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) concluded that the accusations were 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.

During the debate, Akpabio praised the committee for relying on findings from the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university’s Governing Council, urging 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 confirmation came despite protests by a coalition of civil society organisations at the National Assembly earlier this week.

The groups had urged the Senate to suspend Fasina’s screening and confirmation over allegations of sexual harassment, victimisation and human rights violations.

They also argued that pending cases involving the nominee before the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Lagos and Abuja should be resolved before any decision was taken.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, lawyer Adeyemo Amira said the campaign was motivated by concerns about accountability 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.”

Despite the objections and protests, the Senate proceeded to adopt the committee’s recommendation, paving the way for Fasina’s confirmation as a Non-Career Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.