THE Senate has confirmed Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite opposition from some lawmakers and recent protests by civil society organisations over his nomination.
News Point Nigeria reports that the confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) urged the Senate to approve Fasina’s nomination for appointment as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner.
The report sparked debate on the floor of the upper chamber, with some lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, raising strong objections, while others threw their weight behind the recommendation.
Among those who expressed reservations was Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), who is also a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi supported the committee’s recommendation, arguing that the Senate should be guided by the findings of relevant investigative authorities.
According to the committee, the allegations levelled against Fasina had already been investigated by both the governing council of his university and the Nigeria Police Force, with the two bodies concluding that the claims 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 committee stated.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended the committee for relying on reports from the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university’s governing council in arriving at its recommendation.
He urged senators to base their decisions on verified facts rather than allegations that had not been substantiated.
“Honourable senators, we must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay,” Akpabio told the lawmakers.
Fasina’s confirmation comes just days after a coalition of civil society organisations staged a protest at the National Assembly, demanding that the Senate suspend his screening and confirmation.
The protesters cited allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation, arguing that the nominee had pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja.
They further urged lawmakers to allow the judicial process to run its course before confirming his appointment.
Despite the objections from some lawmakers and civil society groups, the Senate eventually adopted the committee’s report and confirmed Fasina’s appointment as a non-career ambassador.