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.

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

The House of Representative member for Yagba Federal Constituency, and 2023 Kogi ADC Governorship Candidate, Hon. Leke Abejide has expressed grief over the death of former commissioner for Special Duties in Kogi State, Ismail Adesayo Yahaya who died Monday evening in Lokoja.

Abejide described the untimely passing of the former commissioner as not only tragic but an immense loss to Ijumu and Okun nation.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the departed, as well as to the People of Ijumu LGA, lamenting the unfortunate demise of a young and vibrant man whose love for his people was unparalleled.

In his condolence message, Abejide said Ismail’s life, though short, yet he made his own mark in his own little way; and he will be sorely missed.

He described Ismail as a commendable politician who embodied a spectrum of virtues crucial for effective governance as a political player, “He inspires many especially the young folks even as he prioritised the well-being of his people over personal interests.

“Ismail’s significant contributions to community development deserves admiration and earn the respect of many.” Leke urged his wife, children and extended family to take solace in the exemplary life and tremendous impact he made on humanity.

Born February 5, 1975, Ismail Adesayo Yahaya was a former treasurer of the APC in Kogi and was later appointed as Commissioner for Special Duties in 2023 by Governor Yahaya Bello.