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, despite opposition from civil society organizations protesting the nomination. The Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Sani Bello, presented a report recommending Fasina's confirmation, which was supported by members including Simon Lalong and Cyril Fasuyi.

The committee addressed previous allegations against Fasina, stating that investigations by relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force and the governing council of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, found the claims to be unsubstantiated. Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged lawmakers to rely on verified reports rather than unverified claims.

The confirmation comes amid protests from civil society groups urging the Senate to suspend the nomination due to ongoing court cases related to the allegations. President Bola Tinubu had forwarded the list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.