Senate Confirms Fasina as Ambassador Amid Protests

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate confirmed Professor Abayomi Sundai Fasina as a non-career ambassador to the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This decision came amid protests concerning allegations of sexual harassment against him, made by a married senior staff member at the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Engr.

Folasad Adebayo. The allegations included unwanted romantic advances and subsequent workplace victimization.

Despite these claims, the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Sani Bello, recommended his confirmation, stating that investigations by the university's governing council and the Nigeria Police found the allegations to be false. However, the confirmation faced opposition from several senators, including Adam Oshiomhole and Cyril Fasuyi, who highlighted the serious nature of the allegations.

Senator Godswill Akpabio intervened to resolve the matter, emphasizing that the Senate's decision was based on available evidence. Civil society groups protested outside the National Assembly, urging the Senate not to approve the nomination, citing an ongoing case in the National Industrial Court.