Why I slumped during screening – Ministerial nominee
The newly confirmed minister from Kaduna state, Abbas Balarabe, has given reasons why he slumped during his screening before the Senate on Wednesday.
The minister explained that he had suffered from exhaustion while preparing for his screening for a ministerial role.
The minister after he was resuscitated explained that he got the news of his nomination on Tuesday and had stayed up all night preparing for his ‘big day’.
Balarabe said, “It is basically exhaustion. I got the news of my nomination yesterday and I had to come from Kaduna.
“There were so many things to do which I attended throughout the night.
“What happened today is as a result of pure exhaustion.”
“I want to thank the Senators for their understanding particularly the senators from my State (Kaduna) who have all gathered around me since yesterday and the medical team who took care of me.”
“I am alright now, nothing is wrong with me. What I experienced was pure exhaustion which can happen to anybody,” he expressed.
Earlier in the Senate, chaos erupted when the nominee who replaced former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai suddenly collapsed during his screening on Wednesday.
Balarabe, the second nominee to face screening after Dr. Ibrahim, had just concluded recounting his experiences when the incident unfolded, approximately 15 minutes into the Senate plenary.
While Kaduna South Senator, Sunday Katung, was discussing Balarabe’s administrative background in Kaduna, the nominee unexpectedly slumped while still at the podium.
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Following the presentation of his profile to the senators, Balarabe received an endorsement from the Kaduna lawmaker, affirming that all three senators from the state supported his nomination.
Senator Katung’s remarks were cut short when Senate President Godswill Akpabio urgently called out, “Bring water and sugar. Call Dr. Musa.”
Akpabio then directed journalists and cameramen to cease filming and exit the Senate chamber.
The nominee was subsequently taken to the National Assembly clinic.
After a break of about 45 minutes, the Senate reconvened and proceeded to confirm all three nominees.
The Senate confirmed the appointment of Balarabe Lawal (Kaduna), Ayodele Olawande (Ondo) and Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Kwara) as ministers.
Akpabio announced the confirmation of the ministers after they were cleared through a voice vote by senators at the plenary.
The confirmation brings the total number of ministers that will serve in the administration of President Bola Tinubu to 48.
Tinubu had since August inaugurated 45 ministers earlier cleared by the upper legislative chamber.
Tinubu had in a correspondence to the Senate on Tuesday requested the screening and confirmation of the three nominees.
The president’s letter was read by Akpabio at the plenary.
Ms Ibrahim and Olawande will serve as Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youth respectively.
Balarabe, who slumped during the screening, may serve as the Minister of Environment.
He is replacing a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, two others whose confirmation the Senate put on hold in August due to security reasons.
The confirmation of two other nominees, Stella Okotete (Delta) and Sani Danladi (Taraba) was also deferred.
