Protesters ask N’Assembly to halt ex-FUOYE VC’s ambassadorial confirmation

Scores of demonstrators gathered at the National Assembly in Abuja, calling on the Senate to halt the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial nominee. The protesters cited ongoing court cases involving allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimisation against Fasina.

President Bola Tinubu recently submitted a list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening. However, Fasina's nomination has faced significant opposition from various civil society groups who insist that the Senate should defer any confirmation until the pending legal proceedings against him are resolved.

Representing the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, legal practitioner Adeyemo Amira addressed journalists, stating that Fasina has pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja. Amira clarified that the protest is not driven by personal animosity but by a desire to allow the judicial process to run its course. She emphasized that the Senate's role is not to convict or prosecute but to await the courts' determination of guilt or innocence.

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Our call to the Senate is clear. Where there are grave allegations such as sexual misconduct pending before a court, this is not the time to confirm such a person to represent Nigeria internationally. The Senate is not a court. Let the court do its job.

"Our call to the Senate is clear. Where there are grave allegations such as sexual misconduct pending before a court, this is not the time to confirm such a person to represent Nigeria internationally. The Senate is not a court. Let the court do its job," Amira stated. She added that the coalition has no personal vendetta against Professor Fasina, but the issue transcends the individual.

Amira recalled a past diplomatic nomination that drew international scrutiny due to family allegations, warning Nigeria against similar situations that could damage its international reputation. The coalition stands in solidarity with those who have spoken out against sexual harassment, asserting that their voices must be heard and protected. They believe that in an egalitarian society, everyone is equal, and influence should not silence victims. The coalition would welcome Fasina's confirmation if he is cleared by the courts, but insists the Senate must postpone the process until the litigation concludes.

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We have no personal vendetta against Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina. But this issue is bigger than one individual.