Civil Society Groups Urge Senate to Pause Fasina's Ambassadorial Confirmation

A significant number of demonstrators converged on the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, calling on the Senate to defer the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina, a non-career ambassadorial nominee. The protesters based their plea on serious allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimisation, which they stated are currently subjects of litigation.

President Bola Tinubu had recently put forward Fasina's name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, as part of efforts to fill numerous vacant diplomatic posts for Nigeria abroad. However, his nomination has continuously drawn controversy, with several civil society organisations insisting that the Senate should delay any confirmation proceedings until all pending court cases against him have been resolved.

The protesters, operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, engaged in solidarity songs and displayed various placards. Addressing members of the press at the National Assembly complex, Adeyemo Amira, a legal practitioner representing the coalition, disclosed that Fasina faces ongoing cases before the National Industrial Court in both Lagos and Abuja.

Amira clarified that the protest was not motivated by personal animosity, but rather a call for due process. She implored the Senate to permit the judicial process to reach its conclusion before considering the nominee's confirmation. She further emphasised that the demonstrators were not requesting the Senate to find Fasina guilty or to prosecute him, noting that the constitutional responsibility for determining guilt or innocence rests solely with the courts.

She stated, “Our message to the Senate is unequivocal. When there are serious accusations like sexual misconduct still pending in court, this is not the appropriate time to confirm such an individual to represent Nigeria on the international stage. The Senate is not a judicial body. Let the courts perform their duties. We hold no personal grievance against Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina. However, this matter transcends any single individual.”

Amira referenced a past diplomatic nomination that reportedly attracted global scrutiny due to allegations involving the nominee’s family, cautioning that Nigeria should prevent similar situations that could tarnish its international standing. She affirmed the coalition’s solidarity with victims who have spoken out against sexual harassment, stressing that their voices deserve recognition and protection. “If the court clears him, no one will be happier than those of us advocating for justice. Nevertheless, until that occurs, we believe the Senate should withhold the confirmation,” she added.

Also contributing to the discourse, Dr. Ernest Ogaze, a co-convener of the demonstration, advocated for the Senate to outright reject the nomination, rather than merely suspending its confirmation. “We are explicitly stating that Professor Abayomi’s nomination should be declined entirely. We are not suggesting a mere suspension. It should be rejected,” Ogaze asserted.

According to Ogaze, proceeding with the confirmation while the court cases remain unresolved could severely damage Nigeria’s reputation globally. “The nation’s image stands to be negatively affected. We cannot afford to let these issues persist. Nigeria’s image already faces challenges, and this would only exacerbate the situation. The National Assembly should reject this nomination without hesitation,” he said. Ogaze reiterated that the nominee is entangled in two court cases pertaining to allegations of sexual harassment, and these matters are already before competent courts. “Yes, we acknowledge that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but these are grave matters before competent courts and should not be disregarded,” he added.

The coalition also highlighted a precedent, citing the 2009 case of Professor Tunde Adeniran, whose nomination as ambassador to the United States was not approved. Ogaze argued that the Senate should apply the same standard in the current situation. “There is a clear precedent, and I am urging the National Assembly to act justly by declining this nomination,” he declared.

Adding its voice, the Feminist Manifesto Conference also urged the Senate to halt Fasina’s confirmation, citing pending criminal and civil cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct. Emmanuella Azu, a representative of the women’s rights group, confirmed that her organisation had submitted petitions to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the relevant Senate committee overseeing the confirmation process, pressing them to suspend the nomination. Azu contended that confirming the appointment while such allegations are still before the courts would convey a detrimental message regarding Nigeria’s dedication to addressing sexual misconduct. “I stand here today on behalf of the Feminist Manifesto Conference, a coalition of over 500 civil society organisations. We are asking the Senate to halt the confirmation of Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina. He should not be confirmed for an ambassadorial position while allegations of sexual misconduct against him are still before the courts,” she stated.

Professor Fasina, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, was recently nominated by the President as a non-career ambassador. His nomination has generated considerable controversy following accusations from a senior university official, who alleged sexual harassment, victimisation, and abuse of office against him. Fasina has, however, consistently refuted all allegations.