Shehu Sani gave the advice following the death of Deputy Comptroller, Etop Andrew Essien, who appeared before a House of Rep committee on Tuesday
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has advised the National Assembly to make it mandatory for public official to conduct blood pressure test and heart checks before appearing before its committees
The former senator who represented Kaduna Central in the Red Chambers, gave the advice on his official X handle, while reacting to the death of a customs officer, Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the senior customs officer, who was in charge of Revenue in the Account Unit of the Service died on Tuesday after collapsing while being questioned by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.
Shortly before he collapsed and died, he was heard saying, “Sir, I might need to take some water,” while struggling to open the bottle of water in front of him.
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While announcing his death, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the House, said the officer developed health complications during the interaction with the lawmakers.
Ironically, when the customs chieftain walked into the National Assembly Complex, on Tuesday, there was no indication that he would not walk out of the parliament alive as he looked hale and hearty.
Reacting to the news of his demise, Shehu Sani tweeted: “The National Assembly should make it a rule to conduct blood pressure tests and Heart Checks of public officials summoned to appear before their relevant committees.”
The deceased had led a team of top customs officers to the House of Representatives for an investigative hearing by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
They appeared before the Committee to make presentations on the revenue remittances by the Service.