The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial designate following the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, despite opposition from some lawmakers and civil society groups over allegations levelled against him.
The committee’s report, presented by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) on behalf of its Chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), recommended Fasina’s confirmation. The report stated that allegations against the nominee had been investigated by the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, both of which found the claims to be unsubstantiated.
Although the report was adopted, the confirmation generated debate on the Senate floor. Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee who signed the report, opposed the confirmation, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) defended the committee’s recommendation.
Akpabio commended the committee for its work, noting that it relied on reports from the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university’s governing council. He urged senators to approach their constitutional responsibilities objectively and avoid relying on hearsay in making decisions.
The confirmation came days after a coalition of civil society organisations staged a protest at the National Assembly, urging the Senate to reject Fasina’s nomination over allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation, which they said were the subject of ongoing court proceedings.
Speaking for the coalition, lawyer Amira Adeyemo said the campaign was intended to promote accountability and protect victims of workplace sexual harassment, insisting that the Senate should have allowed the pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja to be concluded before confirming the nominee.
