CSOs Protest Ambassadorial Nomination of Abayomi Fasina, Urge Senate to Withhold Confirmation
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, calling on the Senate to suspend the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassador over unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct.
The demonstrators gathered at the Senate wing of the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting slogans as they appealed to lawmakers to delay the confirmation process until the allegations against the nominee have been fully investigated and resolved.
The protest follows President Bola Tinubu’s request to the Senate on June 24 to confirm Professor Fasina, a Professor of Soil Science and the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), for appointment as a non-career ambassador.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, the coalition maintained that individuals nominated to represent Nigeria abroad should possess unquestionable integrity and public confidence. The protesters argued that appointing anyone facing unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct could undermine Nigeria’s image on the international stage and weaken public trust in the country’s diplomatic appointments.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its convener, Amirah Adeyemo, clarified that the group was not asking the Senate to pronounce Professor Fasina guilty. Rather, she said the organisation was urging lawmakers to exercise caution by withholding confirmation until the allegations have been independently and transparently addressed.
According to her, delaying the confirmation process would demonstrate the Senate’s commitment to accountability, due process and the protection of ethical standards in public service. She added that public office holders and diplomatic representatives should be held to high standards of conduct, given the responsibilities they carry on behalf of the nation.
The protesters also called for a transparent review of the allegations, insisting that the outcome should guide any decision regarding the ambassadorial nomination.
As of the time of the protest, there had been no official response from the Senate regarding the coalition’s demands. The nomination remains subject to the Senate’s screening and confirmation process in accordance with constitutional provisions.
