CSOs Urge Senate to Suspend Fasina's Ambassadorial Confirmation Over Pending Court Cases
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the Nigerian Senate to suspend the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassador, citing pending court cases involving allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation.
The coalition staged a protest at the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to allow the judicial process to run its course before considering Fasina's nomination.
The demonstration followed President Bola Tinubu's transmission of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, which included the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
Speaking during the protest, coalition convener Amirah Adeyemo said the group's concern was Nigeria's international reputation, not a determination of Fasina's guilt or innocence.
She argued that confirming any nominee facing unresolved allegations could undermine the country's image abroad and urged lawmakers to defer the screening until the courts conclude the pending cases.
Adeyemo stressed that the Senate is not a court of law and should not prejudge the case.
Instead, she said the confirmation process should be paused until the legal proceedings are resolved, adding that the coalition would accept Fasina's nomination if he is eventually cleared by the courts. Due process, she maintained, should remain the guiding principle.
The protesters also warned that if the Senate proceeds with the confirmation before the conclusion of the court cases, they would petition the country where Fasina is posted to serve, informing authorities of the unresolved allegations.
Coalition co-convener Ernest Ogezi similarly urged lawmakers to reject or suspend the nomination pending the outcome of the judicial process.
The controversy surrounding Fasina's nomination has continued to attract attention since several advocacy groups first petitioned against his nomination, arguing that allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office and violations of fundamental rights remain before the courts.
As of the time of publication, the Senate had not announced a decision on the coalition's request, while Professor Fasina has not been found guilty of the allegations, which remain before competent courts for determination.