JUST IN: Ministerial nominee slumps during screening

A ministerial nominee, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, slumped while being screened by the Senate on Wednesday, sparking frantic scenes in the Chamber.

The Kaduna State nominee had talked for several minutes during his screening before collapsing on the floor, prompting numerous MPs to rush to his aid.

Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim of Kwara State and Mr. Ayodele Olawande of Ondo State are the other two new ministerial nominees being vetted by the Senate.

He was the second nominee to be screened after Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved to extend the sitting period beyond 2 p.m. to complete all of the day’s business.

He had finished making his presentation to the lawmakers and was about taking questions from them when he fell to the floor.

The Senate went into closed door session while efforts are being made to revive the nominee who is still inside the chamber.