Proceedings in the Senate on Thursday turned tense after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole differed over the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial nominee despite unresolved sexual harassment allegations against him.
The disagreement unfolded during the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which recommended Fasina’s confirmation alongside other ambassadorial nominees.
Oshiomhole Urges Senate to Exercise Caution
Raising concerns during the debate, the Edo North senator argued that confirming a nominee who is currently facing allegations of sexual harassment could damage the Senate’s credibility and send the wrong message to Nigerian women.
While acknowledging the legal principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Oshiomhole maintained that the upper chamber should exercise restraint until the pending cases are resolved.
According to him, the allegations against Fasina were serious enough to warrant caution.
“There are women who have brought these allegations before the Senate, and the matters are already before the courts. No one is saying he is guilty, but confirming him at this stage could be interpreted as the Senate disregarding the concerns of Nigerian women,” Oshiomhole said.
He argued that delaying the confirmation until the courts determine the matter would demonstrate sensitivity and reinforce public confidence in the Senate’s commitment to accountability.
Akpabio Insists Senate Must Follow Constitutional Principles
Responding to the objection, Senate President Akpabio maintained that the Senate could not deny a nominee confirmation solely on the basis of allegations that had not resulted in a conviction.
He stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the presumption of innocence and warned against allowing unproven accusations to determine the fate of public appointments.
Akpabio insisted that the Senate must rely on established legal principles rather than public sentiment when performing its constitutional responsibilities.
Fasina Confirmed Despite Objection
Despite Oshiomhole’s reservations, the Senate proceeded with the consideration of the committee’s report and eventually confirmed Professor Abayomi Fasina, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), as a non-career ambassadorial designate.
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The report was presented by Senator Simon Lalong on behalf of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
The confirmation followed deliberations by lawmakers, with the majority supporting the committee’s recommendation.
Fasina’s nomination had attracted public attention in recent weeks following allegations of sexual harassment, an issue that has remained the subject of legal proceedings.
Although Oshiomhole urged the Senate to defer the confirmation pending the outcome of those cases, the chamber ultimately endorsed the nomination, bringing the brief but notable exchange between the Senate President and the former Edo State governor to a close.