Senate confirms Abayomi Fasina as ambassador despite civil society protests
The Senate has confirmed Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador despite protests by civil society organisations and objections from some lawmakers. The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs report chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
The committee found that allegations against Fasina—including sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimization—had been investigated by the University Governing Council and Nigeria Police, both concluding the claims were unsubstantiated. Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi supported the recommendation, urging lawmakers to rely on verified facts rather than hearsay.
Civil society groups had protested at the National Assembly days prior, citing pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja. They argued Fasina's confirmation should await judicial processes. Despite these objections, the Senate confirmed his appointment as non-career ambassador/high commissioner on Tuesday.
The confirmation raises questions about Nigeria's diplomatic appointments process: Should nominees with unresolved allegations proceed to confirmation, or should pending court cases pause appointments until judicial outcomes?