Why I slumped during screening- Minister

The newly confirmed minister from Kaduna state, Abbas Balarabe, has given reasons why he slumped during his screening before the Senate.

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 to throughout the night.

“What happened today is as a result of pure exhaustion.”

“I want to thank the Senate 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.

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.

Credit: Punch