The Nigerian Senate confirms Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial nominee despite protests and opposition from some civil society groups and certain lawmakers. Multiple reports say the Senate’s decision follows consideration and adoption of a report from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North). The committee report is presented by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) and debate on the nomination proceeds with divisions among senators. Some senators back the committee’s recommendation, while others raise reservations and cite objections raised during the process.
The sources also agree that civil society organisations protest against Fasina’s nomination at the National Assembly, pointing to allegations that include sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimisation, and argue that ongoing or pending court matters should have delayed confirmation. In response, the reports state that investigators linked to the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Governing Council and the Nigeria Police are said to have cleared him of earlier allegations.
The confirmation occurs after President Bola Tinubu forwards ambassadorial nominees to the Senate to fill vacant diplomatic positions.
