A coalition of women’s groups has petitioned the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to reject the confirmation of the immediate-past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, as a Nigeria’s ambassador-designate pending the determination of ongoing proceedings bordering on allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and misconduct against him during his tenure at the institution.
In the petition signed by the convener of Womanifesto, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, alongside 500 other rights groups, the Senate was urged to reject Fasina’s nomination.
The petition read, “We are deeply concerned about the nomination of the Ex-FUOYE VC, Mr. Abayomi Fasina, for an ambassadorial role for our nation.
“It is our carefully considered opinion, based on several allegations, including ongoing criminal and civil cases against Mr. Abayomi Fasina, that he is not an appropriate candidate for such a position.
“It is trite that an ambassador serves as a representative of a nation’s identity and values. Given this important role, any candidate for an ambassadorial position must embody the highest standards of integrity and impeccable conduct.
“Where there is a substantial possibility that a candidate lacks integrity, appointing such an individual as an ambassador may expose our nation to international ridicule and undermine its reputation in the global community.”
The groups said the allegations against Fasina include sexual harassment involving female staff members, with cases still pending before the National Industrial Court in Abuja and the National Industrial Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
They also stated that there was a judgement against the Fasina administration in the case of Akingbe v. FUOYE (NICN/AK/58/2018), where a panel led by Fasina was indicted by the court for breaching the claimant’s right to a fair hearing and alleging, without proof, that the claimant committed self-plagiarism, described as an academic offence unknown to law. According to the petitioners, the court awarded damages of ₦40 million against the Fasina-led institution.
“In light of the foregoing, we respectfully request that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs decline to recommend the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that the Senate’s consideration of the nomination reflects the constitutional principles of accountability, integrity, transparency, and public confidence in governance,” the petition read.
The groups argued that the matter before the Senate Committee goes beyond an individual nomination and concerns public confidence as well as Nigeria’s commitment to accountability, human rights and dignity, gender equality, and institutional integrity.
They urged the Senate to exercise its constitutional responsibility in a manner that preserves public trust in democratic institutions.
