The deputy comptroller of finance administration and technical service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Essien Etop Andrew died on Tuesday after collapsing while being interogated by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.
He coughed and slumped while answering questions from members of the committee.
He was later confirmed dead after he was rushed to the national assembly clinic where chairman of the committee, Bamidele Salam said the panel will suspend other hearings for one week to honour the late customs chief.

“It was a very sad incident. He was very eloquent and clearly understood the issues being considered,” the lawmaker said

“He suddenly said he wanted to drink water, to which we obliged and even asked if he needed some tea.
“It was sad he died in active service. Our committee is suspending other hearings for the week in his honour.”

In a statement, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house of representatives, said the green chamber will “support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols are followed”.

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, expressed his condolences, saying the lower legislative chamber is “deeply saddened” by the officer’s death.

**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed move by the green chamber

The attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee on Ethics for investigation over their solidarity visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has been condemned by the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).
It would be recalled that Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.

The lawmakers, made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..

Ugochinyere had explained on the sidelines of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.

But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit

However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.

“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.

“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.

“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged the President not to shy away from making tough decisions.

Speaking at the resumption of plenary after the Christmas and New Year break, yesterday,  Abbas observed that though the Nigerian leader had displayed exemplary leadership and adopted a proactive approach to security matters, he added, however, that it was time for him to demand greater performance and accountability from the service chiefs and security agencies.

While commending the apparatuses for their heroism and sacrifice, the Speaker stated:  “Time has come for you to review your approaches and strategies, innovate and adapt.”

He described Tinubu’s economic policies as steps in the right direction, adding that the legislative arm must align with the executive to ensure that the initiatives are effectively implemented and yield tangible results for Nigerians.

Abbas also disclosed the legislative priorities of the 10th House for 2024.

The priorities, according to him, include speedy consideration of electoral reforms, alteration of the 1999 Constitution, improved citizens’ engagement, enhanced oversight, institutional capacity strengthening and greater collaboration with the executive.

He said the concern to the House was electoral reform to address grey areas in the 2022 Electoral Act with the aim of ensuring that future elections are free, fair and credible