Senate: Thank you, but…

The Nigerian Senate has approved a donation of fifty million naira (N50m) to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during a rescue operation. The operation followed the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire local government area of Oyo state. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation, stating that each affected family would receive N10 million to augment the upkeep of the children left behind.

The article expresses gratitude for the Senate's compassion, noting it as an uncommon reaction compared to previous instances where security agents made sacrifices. However, the author questions the source of the funds, wondering if the Senate has a budget line item for such donations, which could incentivize politicians to seek life-threatening roles. The piece also touches upon the senators' high salaries, allowances, and constituency projects, contrasting it with the judiciary's perceived lack of budgetary support.

Separately, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador. This confirmation proceeded despite several petitions against Fasina, who previously served as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). Allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimisation had been raised against him, with cases pending in the National Industrial Court.

The Senate justified its decision by stating that the Police, DSS, and the university's governing council had cleared Fasina of the allegations. However, the article expresses doubt about the veracity of these clearances, especially given a prior report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism.

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The senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased.