By Olugbenga Salami
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Fasina, former Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, as a non-career ambassador after heated debate over sexual harassment allegations against him.
The confirmation followed the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs by Senator Simon Lalong (APC Plateau South), on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC Niger North) during plenary.
Lalong told the chamber that the committee received petitions both for and against Fasina’s nomination, saying the allegations had been investigated by FUOYE’s Governing Council and the Nigeria Police Force, which both dismissed them as false.
He added that the nominee was also cleared by the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Police.
“With all these clearances, the nominee performed wonderfully well, especially his record of service within the university. The committee had no doubt in recommending his confirmation,” Lalong said.
But the report sparked opposition as Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North), urged the Senate to hold off until Fasina clears himself in court.
“Nobody is saying he is guilty; he deserves to be innocent until proven guilty,” Oshiomhole argued, adding: “But for the Senate to endorse him will amount to being insensitive to the feelings of women.”
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC Ekiti North), also raised concerns, saying the matter was well known in his constituency.
“I know about this case; I also know about the woman in question. That woman did not get justice. This is a very sensitive issue we cannot sweep under the carpet,” he said.
Responding, Lalong said no court documents or evidence of pending proceedings were presented during screening.
“All allegations, before a court of competent jurisdiction, without judgment, do not make somebody guilty,” he stated.
Senator Abdul Ningi (NDC Bauchi Central), added that the Senate’s role was limited to checking qualifications and criminal convictions, not unproven allegations.
In his remarks, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the committee’s recommendation, noting that the complainant did not appear before the committee nor submit evidence.
“A man is presumed innocent until the contrary is proved. We cannot, on the basis of an allegation, fail to perform our constitutional responsibility,” he said.
After the debate, the Senate approved Fasina’s appointment as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after Akpabio put the recommendation to voice vote.
