Protesters urge Senate to delay ambassadorial nominee’s confirmation

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

ABUJA — A coalition of concerned Nigerians and civil society organisations on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly, calling on the Senate to suspend the confirmation of Professor Fashino Abayomi’s ambassadorial nomination.

The protesters urged the upper chamber to delay consideration of the nomination, arguing that it should await the resolution of issues they said were already before the courts.

Speaking during the protest, lawyer and activist Amira Adeyemo said the demonstration was aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s international image and strengthening public confidence in public institutions.

She said the group was appealing to the Senate to exercise caution in handling the nomination.

According to her, postponing the confirmation process until all pending legal matters are resolved would reinforce public confidence in the country’s institutions.

Adeyemo added that the group would continue to pursue its demands through peaceful and lawful means.

Also speaking, Mr. Ernest Ogezi, who represented a coalition of civil society organisations, urged the Senate to postpone consideration of the nomination until all legal processes had been concluded.

He said the group’s position was informed by its concern for Nigeria’s international image and the need to uphold public confidence in the country’s institutions.

The protesters submitted their demands to the National Assembly and called on the Senate to act on their appeal.