A session of Nigeria’s House of Representatives turned tragic on Tuesday when Andrew Essien, Deputy Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), died following a sudden collapse.
Mr. Essien was engaged in a question-and-answer session with the House Committee on Public Accounts regarding customs revenue when he suddenly began coughing and requested water. According to a statement by Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam, Mr. Essien struggled to open his water bottle and subsequently slumped.
Medical personnel, including first responders and staff from the National Assembly clinic, rushed to Mr. Essien’s aid. However, their efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, expressed condolences and offered support for any investigation into the cause of death.
The House Committee on Public Accounts has announced a one-week suspension of hearings in the wake of Mr. Essien’s passing. Tributes have flowed in from colleagues and officials, including House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who spoke for the chamber, expressing their deep sadness over the sudden loss.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
