A group of protesters on Tuesday gathered at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly in Abuja, calling on the Senate to reject the ambassadorial nomination of Professor Abayomi Fasina over unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct.
The protesters, who identified themselves as members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, said they were worried about the country’s image and urged lawmakers to suspend any decision on Fasina’s confirmation until all legal issues surrounding the allegations are resolved.
President Bola Tinubu had on June 24 forwarded Fasina’s name to the Senate for confirmation as a Non-Career Ambassador and High Commissioner.
Fasina is a Professor of Soil Science and the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
Addressing journalists during the protest, the coalition’s convener, Amirah Adeyemo, said the group’s action was not based on personal differences with Fasina.
She explained that their concern was about protecting Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage.
According to her, the coalition believes that anyone facing unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct should not be appointed to represent the country abroad until the matter has been properly concluded through the legal process.
Adeyemo said the group was not asking the Senate to decide whether Fasina was guilty or innocent.
Instead, she urged lawmakers to delay his confirmation until the pending issues are settled.
She also warned that if the Senate goes ahead with the confirmation despite the allegations, the coalition would submit a petition to the country where Fasina is expected to serve as Nigeria’s envoy.
The protesters maintained that their request was aimed at protecting the country’s image and ensuring that public officers appointed to diplomatic positions meet the expected standards while legal matters involving them remain unresolved.
