Abbas Balarabe from Kaduna State, whose name was put forward by President Bola Tinubu to replace former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose candidacy was rejected by the Senate, had his ministerial nomination confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.
The Senate also approved the ministerial nominations of Ondo State’s Ayodele Olawande, 34, and Kwara State’s Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, 37.
However, after Ibrahim, who mounted the stage first, was screened, the session descended into chaos as Balarabe, who had just made his introduction to the Senate, had passed out on the stage.
About 15 minutes into his screening session, Balarabe had just finished outlining his background and accomplishments to the senators.
As Kaduna South Senator Sunday Katung stood to speak in favor of Balarabe’s nomination, the candidate passed out unexpectedly.
Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, was heard yelling, “Give him (Balarabe) sugar and water!” during the event.
Additionally, Akpabio gave orders for reporters and cameramen to stop filming and leave the Senate chamber.
The National Assembly clinic was then visited by the nominee.
When physicians hurried in with their first aid supplies to revive the ministerial candidate who had already been seated, the chamber was in complete disarray.
The nominee begged the Senate to let him continue with the session after regaining his strength and calm, but he was told to leave and take care of his health.
After about a 45-minute break, the Senate reconvened to interview Olawande, the third candidate.
The Senate subsequently confirmed the three candidates.
The President now has 48 ministerial appointees after the addition of three.
Yemi Adaramodu, the spokesperson for the Senate, subsequently outlined why the Senate continued to approve Balarabe despite the fact that he passed all required inspections despite collapsing.
The nominee has been stabilized, and he is presently OK, Adaramodu stated. He passed out during his screening from exhaustion.
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