The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite objections from some lawmakers and protests by civil society organisations over his nomination.
The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
Presenting the report, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) urged the Senate to approve Fasina’s nomination for appointment as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner.
The recommendation sparked debate on the Senate floor, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole among lawmakers who opposed the confirmation, while others supported the committee’s position. Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, also expressed reservations about the nomination.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi backed the committee’s recommendation, maintaining that the Senate should rely on the findings of relevant investigative authorities.
The committee stated that allegations previously made against Fasina had been investigated by the governing council of his university and the Nigeria Police Force, both of which found the claims to be unsubstantiated.
According to the committee, the investigations cleared Fasina of wrongdoing, paving the way for its recommendation that the Senate confirm his nomination.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended the committee for relying on reports from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the university’s governing council in reaching its conclusion.
He urged lawmakers to base their decisions on verified evidence rather than unsubstantiated allegations.
“We must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay,” Akpabio said before the Senate confirmed the nomination.
