Senate Ignores Protests, Confirms Fmr. FUOYE VC As Ambassador

 

By Ayodele Oni

Ignoring protests and petitions, the Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Fasina (Lagos) as a non-career ambassador- designate.

Fasina’s confirmation followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North).

Civil Society Organizations, women Bodies had risen against Prof Fasina, immediate Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE) insisting that there were unresolved issues against his tenure.

But, the Senate President, God will Akpabio described them as as hearsay.

The report was presented by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South).

Presenting the report, Lalong said, “That the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the confirmation of the nomination of Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina for appointment as Non-Career Ambassador/High-Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Soon after the presentation of the report, while some Senators kicked against his clearance, some were in support, especially Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central).

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who was number 12 on the list and also signed that he should be confirmed, however, kicked against it.

The committee, in its findings 6.0 item 4, stated: “that the accusation against Prof Fasina was investigated by competent authorities including the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, which both found the allegation false.”

In his remarks, Akpabio thanked the committee for the work, noting that the committee received reports from the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university council.

He warned senators to take their assignments with respect and not rely on hearsay