By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Senate has confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a Non-Career Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ending days of controversy over his nomination despite opposition from some lawmakers and civil society organisations.
The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which recommended Fasina’s appointment after examining allegations raised against him.
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), urged lawmakers to approve Fasina’s nomination as a Non-Career Ambassador and High Commissioner, saying the panel found no basis to reject his appointment.
The recommendation sparked debate on the Senate floor, with Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North) expressing reservations over the nomination. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi defended the committee’s position, insisting the Senate should be guided by the findings of relevant investigative authorities rather than unverified claims.
According to the committee, allegations against Fasina were investigated by the governing council of his university and the Nigeria Police, both of which concluded that the claims were unsubstantiated.
Akpabio commended the committee for relying on reports from the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the university’s governing council, stressing that legislative decisions should be based on credible evidence.
“We must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay,” the Senate President said during the debate.
Fasina’s confirmation comes just days after a coalition of civil society organisations staged a protest at the National Assembly, urging the Senate to suspend his screening over allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation.
The groups argued that the nominee had pending matters before the National Industrial Court and appealed to lawmakers to allow the judicial process to run its course before considering his nomination.
Despite the objections, the Senate adopted the committee’s report and confirmed Fasina’s appointment as one of Nigeria’s non-career ambassadors.
