- Safiu Kehinde
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has staged a protest at the National Assembly complex, demanding Senate’s rejection of ambassadorial nomination of the former Federal University of Oye-Ekiti’s (FUOYE) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
NPO Reported that the CSOs had last week petitioned the Senate as they demanded rejection of Fasina’s ambassadorial nomination over pending court cases bordering on abuse of office and other allegations.
The coalition, in the petition signed by its co-convener, Dr. Ernest Ogezi, argued that confirming Prof. Fasina while multiple legal proceedings remain unresolved would undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to accountability, integrity, and the rule of law.
The ex-FUOYE VC was accused of sexual harassment, workplace victimisation, abuse of office, and an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a follow up on the petition, the CSOs on Tuesday stormed the NASS comply to drive home their demand.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the coalition’s convener, Amirah Adeyemo, said the issue goes beyond one individual and concerns Nigeria’s international reputation, stressing that they have no personal vendetta against Fasina.
“As concerned Nigerians, we are here to state our position to the Senate,
“We are here not because we have any personal vendetta against Professor Abayomi Fasina, but because this has gone beyond just one individual.
“Our call to the Senate is clear: let no one facing such grave allegations, including sexual misconduct, go forward to represent our country and tarnish the integrity that the nation has built over the years in the global space,” Adeyemo said.
“This has happened before, in 2009, with Professor Adeniran. However, Professor Adeniran was not the person accused of the alleged sexual misconduct. It was his son.
“The country where he was to serve as Nigeria’s ambassador rejected him because of his proximity to the person facing the allegation.” She said.
Adeyemo stressed that the coalition was not asking the Senate to determine Fasina’s guilt but to allow the judicial process to take its course before confirming his nomination.
“The Senate is not a court.
“We are not presuming anybody guilty or asking the Senate to prosecute anyone.
“We are simply saying there should be a hold on the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina’s nomination.” She added.