Lawyer slams Senate confirmation of ex-FUOYE VC as ambassador amid harassment allegations
Human rights lawyer Frank Tietie has criticised the Nigerian Senate's confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina as non-career ambassador designate, citing serious allegations of sexual harassment and human rights violations. Speaking on Arise Television, Tietie called it a 'huge mistake' to nominate someone with such 'baggage' for Nigeria's diplomatic representation.
The controversy follows July 7, 2026 protests where civil society organisations stormed the National Assembly urging the Senate not to confirm Fasina. Despite these concerns and ongoing court cases, the Senate proceeded with confirmation on Thursday (July 16).
Tietie argued that representing Nigeria internationally is equivalent to representing the president, and questioned why the Senate did not wait for court determination on the allegations. He noted that while no court decision exists yet, the nominee remains 'tainted' and the timing sends wrong signals amid existing governance scandals.
The lawyer also highlighted that 'some things that you could overlook can no longer be overlooked' in Nigeria's evolving social landscape, suggesting changing expectations around accountability in public appointments.
Does Nigeria's international image and diplomatic credibility depend on waiting for judicial outcomes before high-level appointments, regardless of political considerations?