Protesters Demand Delay in Ambassador Nominee's Screening

A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) held a protest at the National Assembly on Tuesday. They want the screening of Abayomi Fasina, a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), as a non-career ambassador to be put on hold.

The CSOs made this demand based on claims of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimisation against Mr Fasina. These issues are currently in the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja.

The protesters urged the Senate to wait for the courts to resolve these cases before moving forward with his confirmation.

They carried signs with messages like “Two sexual harassment and victimisation cases at the national industrial court by two female staffers are enough to disqualify Prof. Fasina Abayomi from becoming an ambassador,” “We demand that Nigerian Senate should protect our women and young girls,” and “Nigerian Senate stop the confirmation of Prof Fasina Abayomi now.”

Mr Fasina was named a non-career ambassador by President Bola Tinubu in June. His nomination was later sent to the National Assembly for approval, following the Constitution.

Since then, many Nigerians have called for his nomination to be withdrawn because of the allegations against him.

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) reported that Mr Fasina allegedly sexually harassed a former colleague, Folasade Adebayo, who is an engineer and was once a deputy director at the university. He reportedly pressured her to accept his sexual advances.

FIJ also reported that the university’s Governing Council told Mr Fasina to apologise to the complainant.

The National Assembly usually does not confirm nominees who have pending petitions against them. But it is unclear how lawmakers will handle this situation, as the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has not yet scheduled the screening.

Adeyemo Amira, a lawyer representing the coalition, said the protest is not about personal issues but about protecting Nigeria’s integrity and promoting justice.

She urged senators to delay Mr Fasina’s confirmation until the courts rule on the allegations. She argued that confirming him while the cases are still open could harm Nigeria’s image abroad.

“Our call to the Senate is clear. Where there are serious allegations such as sexual misconduct pending before a court, this is not the time to confirm such a person to represent Nigeria internationally. The Senate is not a court. Let the court do its job.

“Confirming the nomination while the matter remains before the court could undermine Nigeria’s image in the international community,” she said.

Ms Amira noted that the coalition would support Mr Fasina’s confirmation if he is cleared by the courts. But she insisted the Senate should wait until the legal matters are settled.

“As Nigerians, we have a duty to protect justice and ensure that those who speak up against sexual harassment know that their voices matter. Nobody should be silenced because another person is influential or powerful. We are all equal in an egalitarian society.

“If he is cleared by the court, nobody will be happier than those of us advocating for justice. However, until that happens, we believe the Senate should hold on to the confirmation,” she added.

The lawyer warned that if the Senate goes ahead with the confirmation despite the pending cases, the coalition will continue to advocate and may inform the country where Mr Fasina could be posted as ambassador about the unresolved allegations.

“We believe the Senate will do what is right. But if our appeal is ignored, we will continue to protest and speak up. We will also not hesitate to write to the country where he is to serve as ambassador to make them aware of the pending issues,” she stated.