How Akwa Ibom Born DC of Customs Died in National Assembly Abuja

Late DC Etop Essien 

Etop Andrew Essien, a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs died instantly while answering questions from House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts. 

Essien who was born in November 1967, joined the NCS in 1989. He hailed from Nsit-Ubium LGA in Akwa Ibom state.

The Media had reported that a senior customs officer have reportedly collapse and died during probe by the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee.

Essiens last words were;

“Sir, I may need to take water".

Those were his last words approximately five minutes into his presentation before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee.

His request was obliged. But he slumped and passed on.

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. He looked hale and hearty and walked spritely.

Andrew had led a team of top customs officers to the House of Representatives for an investigative hearing by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The deceased and his colleagues appeared before the Committee to make presentations on the revenue remittances by the Service.

“These levies as stated earlier are listed as federation account levies and it is the responsibility of the office of the Accountant General to say this money is for sharing in FAAC, but for whatever reason that this money, which the Nigeria Customs Service has remitted into the appropriate account was not sent to the federation account, is what the service cannot give explanation,” was his opening salvo.

At that point, an alarmed Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, interjected by asking: “So your position is that this money was actually sent to the account provided by the Accountant-General and that the obligation of now taking it to the federation account is out of your own purview?”

Responding, the deceased had said, “Yes. The same thing applies for 2017 and 2017 can be seen in the next page. If you look at 2016, it encompasses other levies. Sir, I may need to take water.”

“Go ahead,” Bamidele had said, adding, “Do you need tea? Can somebody please attend to him?”

Shortly after, he collapsed and was rushed to the House of Representatives Clinic, where he died.

Information gathered by RolanTimes News has it that it was the Director General of the Nigeria Customs Service that was invited to face the Committee, but he asked Essien who heads the Account and revenue unit to represent him at the National Assembly probe. 

Essien’s demise is suspected to be due to cardiac arrest probably triggered by phobia of facing the committee. 

The official statement of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, on the demise of their official says, “During his presentation (before the house committee), approximately three minutes in, Deputy Comptroller Essien requested water and showed signs of discomfort. Despite immediate efforts to assist him, he unfortunately passed away,” the statement, issued by Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, further said that “He was known for his diligence and exceptional service record in the Accounts Unit. His role as DC Revenue was pivotal in ensuring the accurate reconciliation of revenue, which he performed with utmost precision and dedication.”

  Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller general of customs, said the service will support the family of the deceased.