Politics
IN response to recent allegations made by Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, branding the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, as the most corrupt and compromised government agency in Nigeria, the ,Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA has come out strongly to debunk the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
HURIWA, during a press conference, on Wednesday, described the senator’s accusations as a figment of his imagination, noting that such a presentation does not befit a distinguished representative of the people.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in his statement, expressed dismay at the senator’s comments, questioning how a legislator could stand on the floor of the National Assembly and make sweeping allegations without presenting concrete evidence to support his claims.
According to HURIWA, Senator Ashiru’s remarks lack any form of credibility as there are not backed by specific evidence or facts but rather appear to be driven by sentiments and possible ulterior motives.
“We find it alarming that a lawmaker would make such a ‘reckless’ and generalized allegation against one of Nigeria’s most hardworking agencies. This is simply based on nothing, but sentiment and perhaps hatred for certain individuals within the NDLEA,” Onwubiko stated.
He further stressed that this trend of politically motivated smear campaigns against government institutions is becoming rampant and must be checked.
The advocacy group raised concerns about the timing of the allegations, suspecting that there is a larger conspiracy behind Senator Ashiru’s outburst.
HURIWA emphasized that the NDLEA, under the leadership of Brigadier General Buba Marwa, Rtd., has seen unprecedented success in its war against narcotics and drug trafficking.
The rights group insisted that the agency has made significant strides in arresting drug barons, prosecuting high-profile individuals involved in drug-related crimes, and strengthening Nigeria’s international standing in the fight against drugs.
Onwubiko pointed out that NDLEA’s recent successes have rattled several powerful individuals who may now be resorting to political maneuvers to destabilize the agency’s operations.
He stated that the genesis of the bill to establish a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, which Senator Ashiru supports, appears to be part of a coordinated effort to undermine NDLEA’s accomplishments and weaken the current counter-narcotics strategy.
“We at HURIWA suspect that the introduction of this bill is a game plan orchestrated by certain forces who are unhappy with the current NDLEA leadership’s determination to intensify the drug war. Under General Marwa’s leadership, no one has been above the law—not even high-ranking politicians or politically exposed persons. This is why we believe there may be political forces at play here,” Onwubiko argued.
HURIWA further bolstered its position by citing remarks made by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, earlier this year. In January, Governor Soludo warned that drug barons and internet scammers have infiltrated politics, using it as a haven to evade law enforcement and continue their illicit activities. Soludo’s cautionary words, according to HURIWA, give credence to the notion that there are vested interests behind the push to derail the NDLEA’s counter-narcotics efforts.
Governor Soludo had said, “Many drug barons now see politics as the next easy alternative. Appointment or election into public office is seen largely as an opportunity to ‘eat’ rather than a call to selfless service.” HURIWA believes that the current debate in the National Assembly on the creation of a new agency is potentially being fueled by these same forces, seeking to destabilize the NDLEA and prevent it from achieving further victories in its war against drug trafficking.
“Governor Soludo’s statement carries significant weight given his elevated position in both political and economic circles and his access to critical intelligence. For him to raise such concerns shows that there is indeed a serious issue at play. We cannot allow a bill with no altruistic or nationalistic value to derail the progress the NDLEA has made,” Onwubiko said.
A.I
Oct. 17, 2024
Tags: Brigadier General Buba Marwa Emmanuel Onwubiko HURIWA NDLEA Oyelola Yisa Ashiru
