…Oshiomhole, Others Question Need for New Agency Amid Existing NDLEA
The Senate erupted in a heated debate on Tuesday as lawmakers discussed a bill proposing the establishment of a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, designed to coordinate drug awareness and rehabilitation efforts across the country.
The debate escalated when Kano South Senator, Sumaila Kawu, called for mandatory drug tests for political office holders and highlighted the pervasive drug abuse among politicians and security operatives.
Senator Kawu, while contributing to the debate on the bill sponsored by Rufai Hangar of Kano Central, alleged that “some political leaders buy drugs for their supporters during elections,” further emphasizing that homes and constituency offices of lawmakers were being used as storage points for narcotics.
“There are drug dealers in our offices and our houses. I am immune to talk, I am in the chamber of the Senate, and I can take you to some of the political leaders who are contributing to drug abuse in Nigeria. Mr. President, we need to be serious,” he said.
He continued by urging the Senate to impose mandatory drug tests on all political office holders, both elected and appointed, to curb the rampant issue of drug abuse in Nigeria. “Politicians give drugs to their supporters during elections. We know these things. Some security operatives sell drugs… let us tell each other the truth.”
The debate took another turn when Senate Deputy President, Jibrin Barau, interrupted Kawu, citing Order 36 of the Senate’s standing rules, and ruled him out of order.
Leading the debate, Rufai Hangar stressed that the bill aims to raise awareness about drug abuse, drug trafficking, and the rehabilitation of drug users. “The objective of this bill is to raise awareness on drug abuse, drug trafficking, and the rehabilitation of drug users,” Hangar noted.
However, the proposed agency met opposition from prominent senators. Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Bayelsa Senator Seriake Dickson argued against the creation of a new agency, suggesting that strengthening the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) would be a better alternative. Oshiomhole cautioned against the proliferation of agencies, stating, “We are spending so much on overhead. I am not convinced that we need another body to compete with NDLEA.”
In agreement, Hussaini Uba, representing Jigawa North West, shared his shock at the extreme drug problem in Nigeria, stating that even dry human waste is being used to get high.
Despite the tension and differing views, the bill successfully passed its second reading after a voice vote presided over by Jibrin Barau. The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics for further review, with a report expected in four weeks.
