The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved the nomination of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina, for appointment as a non-career ambassador.
The confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello and presented by Senator Simon Lalong during plenary.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Lalong informed lawmakers that the panel had examined Fasina’s nomination and recommended his confirmation as a Non-Career Ambassador/High Commissioner representing Nigeria.
The recommendation, however, generated mixed reactions on the Senate floor. While some lawmakers objected to the nomination, others, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi, threw their weight behind the committee’s report.
Speaking before the confirmation, Akpabio said the Senate also considered reports submitted by the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and the university council. He urged senators to rely on verified evidence in carrying out their legislative duties rather than speculation.
The confirmation comes despite protests by a coalition of civil society organisations, which demonstrated at the National Assembly on July 7, calling on the Senate to reject Fasina’s nomination.
The protesters cited allegations of sexual harassment, victimisation and human rights violations against the outgoing vice-chancellor, arguing that the Senate should allow pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja to be resolved before confirming his appointment.
