Protesters demand halt to Fasina’s ambassadorial confirmation

Scores of demonstrators converged on the National Assembly in Abuja, urging the Senate to suspend the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial nominee. The protesters' demand stems from serious allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimisation that are currently pending before the courts.

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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.

President Bola Tinubu had recently forwarded Fasina's name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, aiming to fill vacant diplomatic positions. However, the nomination has faced significant opposition from various civil society organizations. These groups are adamant that the Senate should defer any confirmation proceedings until the ongoing legal cases against Fasina are resolved.

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The Senate is not a court. Let the court do its job.

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 emphasized that the protest is not driven by personal animosity but by a principle: allowing the judicial process to conclude before considering such a significant appointment. "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," Amira stated.

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

Another co-convener, Dr Ernest Ogaze, argued for an outright rejection of the nomination rather than a mere suspension. The protesters stressed that the Senate should not usurp the role of the judiciary. They are not asking for Fasina's conviction but for the Senate to respect the legal process. The coalition expressed solidarity with individuals who have spoken out against sexual harassment, insisting that their voices must be heard and protected. They believe that if Fasina is cleared by the court, it would be a cause for celebration, but until then, the Senate should withhold confirmation.

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We are saying clearly that the nomination of Professor Abayomi should be declined outright. We are not saying it should merely be suspe