The Nigerian Senate confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial nominee yesterday, despite ongoing protests and resistance from some lawmakers. The approval followed a report from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, presented by Senator Simon Lalong on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Sani Bello.
Senator Lalong explained that the committee thoroughly investigated allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Fasina. He noted that the university’s governing council, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services all cleared the professor of wrongdoing. The committee emphasized that no documentary evidence or court rulings were provided to support the accusations, stressing that the nominee maintained a distinguished record in academia and public service.
The confirmation process sparked debate on the floor. Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that it was insensitive to confirm a nominee facing active court cases. Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing the nominee’s home constituency, also expressed reservations, suggesting that local concerns regarding the allegations warranted a more extensive investigation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio defended the confirmation, noting that the Senate must rely on official documentation rather than hearsay. He highlighted that the university council’s findings explicitly stated that the complainant had retracted claims of harassment during investigations. Akpabio warned that the legislative chamber must act on verified facts, citing that all reviewed evidence pointed toward the nominee’s integrity.
The nomination had previously drawn criticism from a coalition of civil society organizations. The group had picketed the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to pause the screening process until pending matters at the National Industrial Court were resolved. Despite these protests, the Senate proceeded with the confirmation, citing the lack of substantiated proof against Fasina.
