Scores of protesters on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly, Abuja, calling on the Senate to suspend the confirmation of former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, as a non-career ambassadorial nominee over pending court cases.
The demonstrators, under the banner of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, said allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation against Fasina are currently before competent courts and should be resolved before any confirmation process proceeds.
Carrying placards with inscriptions including “Suspend the Ambassadorial Appointment of Prof Fasina Now” and “Nigerian Senate, Don’t Confirm Prof Abayomi Fasina’s Ambassadorial Appointment,” the protesters urged lawmakers to allow the judicial process to run its course.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, legal practitioner Adeyemo Amira said the coalition’s position was not driven by personal animosity but by the need to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s public institutions.
She said: “Our call to the Senate is clear.
“Where there are grave 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.
“We have no personal vendetta against Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
“But this issue is bigger than one individual.”
Amira said Fasina is facing cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja, stressing that only the courts have the constitutional responsibility to determine guilt or innocence.
She maintained that the coalition would support the nominee’s confirmation if he is cleared by the courts.
“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 said.
The lawyer also urged the Senate to protect those who speak out against sexual harassment.
“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,” she said.
Amira warned that the coalition would continue its advocacy if the Senate proceeds with the confirmation.
“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 added.
Also speaking, co-convener of the protest, Dr Ernest Ogaze, said the Senate should reject the nomination outright rather than merely suspend the confirmation process.
“We are saying clearly that the nomination of Professor Abayomi should be declined outright.
“We are not saying it should merely be suspended. It should be rejected,” Ogaze said.
According to him, confirming the nomination before the conclusion of the pending court cases could further damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
Ogaze said: “The country’s image stands to be negatively impacted.
“We cannot afford to allow these things to continue.
“Nigeria’s image is already facing challenges, and this would only make the situation worse.
“The National Assembly should decline this nomination without thinking twice.”
Ogaze noted that although every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing litigation should compel the Senate to exercise caution.
He said: “Yes, we know that a person is innocent until proven guilty, but these are serious matters before competent courts and should not be taken for granted.”