•Tribune reporter collapses, dies

From Fred Itua, Abuja

Former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s replacement from Kaduna State, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, yesterday, collapsed on the floor of the Senate during his screening exercise.

   Tragedy also struck as a reporter with The Nigerian Tribune attached to the Senate, Tijani Adeyemi, slumped and died in the National Assembly

Trouble started at about 1:50pm when the nominee was responding to questions from senators. Without any prior notice or sign, he slumped.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, quickly beckoned security agents on the ground to come to his rescue.

“Give him water! Give him water!! Give him water, please!!!” Akpabio screamed, as he motioned toward his colleagues to clear the gallery.

He was rushed out in a wheelchair through the rear of the Senate chamber. Armed security men took over the area and stopped newsmen and other staff of the National Assembly from catching a glimpse of the nominee.

Worried by the development, Akpabio called for an urgent closed session and asked newsmen to vacate the gallery.

The lawmakers later reconvened and at about 3:25 pm, confirmed the three nominees, despite the uncertainty about the health of Lawal.

Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said the nominee who slumped during the screening was revived.

Other nominees confirmed were Jamila Bio Ibrahim from Kwara State and Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State.

Earlier, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, had moved the motion for the special adviser to the president on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and the three nominees to be admitted into the chamber.

While introducing herself, the Kwara nominee who was born in 1986 said her journey had been driven by an unwavering belief in the potential of Nigerian youths “leading me to achieve several noteworthy milestones. Today, I have been given a chance of a lifetime to contribute my quota to nation building in a government that has given unprecedented priority to youths.”

She said her education, upbringing and career had prepared her for the task ahead.

Bio-Ibrahim further said she would work so that the youths would have opportunities to educate themselves, develop themselves and exploit their potential talents through acquiring entrepreneurship.

The Senate had, on August 7, confirmed the nomination of 45 out of the 48 ministerial nominees sent by Tinubu.

The confirmation brings the number of ministers to 48.

The Nigerian Tribune reported reportedly slumped and died in the National Assembly, while coming to work.

He was declared dead at the nearest hospital where he was rushed to and was immediately buried in Abuja in accordance with Islamic laws.

President of the ninth Senate, Ahmad Lawan, in a statement, mourned the sudden demise of the journalist.

He also condoled with the Senate Press Corps over the death of Adeyemi, who until his passing was an active member of the beat association.

In a condolence message to the Senate Press Corps, the former Senate president said: “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a member of the Senate Press Corps, Tijani Adeyemi, of the Tribune Newspaper, today.

“As a reporter, he was known for his remarkable talent and dedication. He had an unwavering passion for journalism, and his commitment to delivering accurate and compelling narratives deeply resonated with those who had the pleasure of reading his work.

“Beyond his professional achievements, Adeyemi was a genuine and compassionate individual. To the best of my knowledge, he approached his work with empathy, seeking to understand the unique perspectives of the National Assembly, which he covered for many years.

“During such a difficult time, it is important to remember that Adeyemi made a lasting impact and his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring reporters and journalists for years to come.

“To the family he left behind, the Editorial Board of Tribune Newspaper, and the Senate Press Corps, accept my deepest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period.”