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The Senate has confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador of Nigeria, despite objections from some lawmakers and protests by civil society organisations over his nomination.
The confirmation followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello. Presenting the report, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) urged the upper chamber to approve Fasina’s nomination as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner.
The committee’s recommendation led to a debate on the Senate floor, with senators divided over the nomination. While Senator Adams Oshiomhole voiced strong opposition and Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the committee, also expressed reservations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi backed the recommendation.
The committee maintained that allegations against Fasina had been investigated by the university’s governing council and the Nigeria Police, both of which found the claims to be unsubstantiated.
Akpabio commended the committee for relying on reports from the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university’s governing council, urging lawmakers to base their decisions on verified findings rather than unproven allegations.
The confirmation came days after a coalition of civil society organisations protested at the National Assembly, calling for Fasina’s screening and confirmation to be suspended. The groups cited allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation, arguing that pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja should be resolved before any appointment.
Despite the opposition, the Senate adopted the committee’s report and confirmed Fasina’s appointment as a non-career ambassador.
