“Attached herewith is the nominee’s curriculum vitae.”

“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and further legislative consideration.

The committee has been directed to carry out the necessary review and submit its report to the Senate within one week.

The nomination marks another move by the Tinubu administration in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across strategic countries and international missions.

Non-career ambassadors are typically appointed from outside the regular foreign service and often bring experience from academia, governance, business, or other sectors.

Professor Fashina’s nomination is expected to undergo the usual screening process, where lawmakers will assess his qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role before a final confirmation vote.

PUNCH Online reports that INEC presented certificates of return to the new senators on Tuesday.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four lawmakers during plenary.

Welcoming the senators to the Red Chamber, Akpabio congratulated them on their election and urged them to prioritise national interest in the discharge of their legislative duties.

He described the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and reminded the lawmakers that they now represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria, rather than their respective political parties.

The Senate President also advised them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, as amended in 2023, to enable them effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Among dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony were Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, among others.

Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

PUNCH Online reports that the court had, on Monday, ordered the remand of the African Action Congress presidential candidate at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of the earlier order revoking his bail.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed on June 19, 2026.

The application, brought pursuant to Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, sought 12 reliefs.

Among the reliefs sought were an order setting aside the court’s June 16 order revoking the defendant’s bail, an order vacating the bench warrant issued against him, and an order restoring the status quo and the earlier bail conditions.

The defence said it relied on a 34-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Emmanuel Larry and a written address filed in support of the application.

Counsel further informed the court that a 36-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by one Sodiq Temitope, was filed on June 24, alongside a reply on points of law dated June 23.

Adopting the processes, the defence urged the court to “grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice. We also urge the court to discountenance the affidavit of the complainant.”

“We shall be relying on the aforementioned processes, urging your Lordship to refuse the application, as the applicant has not placed truthful facts before this honourable court that are capable of swaying the mind of the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant,” Kehinde said.

After hearing the parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for ruling.

Following the adjournment, the defence orally applied for Sowore to be released to his legal team pending the ruling, undertaking to produce him in court on June 30.

The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as “a little bit absurd” and arguing that such an application ought to be made formally to enable the prosecution to respond.

In reply, the defence argued that releasing the defendant would not interfere with the court’s ruling and that the application was within the court’s discretion.

Counsel also informed the court that he had received information that Sowore was in poor health and urged the court to grant the request.

The prosecution, however, reminded the court of “the optics of the matter” but left the decision to the court’s discretion.

Justice Umar pointed out that granting the request would defeat the purpose of adjourning the case to prepare his ruling, noting that he was yet to review the processes filed by both parties.

He subsequently denied the application and ordered that the defendant be returned to custody pending the ruling on June 30.