In a startling development at the Senate’s ministerial nominee screening, Balarabe Abbas Lawal suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness while undergoing questioning. Swift action by concerned senators and a call for assistance from Senate President Godswill Akpabio ensued.

Despite the alarming incident, Abbas Lawal was eventually taken to a hospital, although his condition remained undisclosed as of the latest report. The presence of medical personnel during the screening remains uncertain, although the National Assembly does maintain a fully operational clinic within its premises.

After a break of about 45 minutes to attend to the collapsed nominee, the Senate reconvened and proceeded to confirm the three nominees, which included Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, and Ayodele Olawande. These nominees were forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, with Balarabe Abbas Lawal nominated as a replacement for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.