Senate moves to curtail illicit drug trade in FCT
The Senate has begun efforts to deal with the prevailing issue of thriving illegal drug business in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country following an investigative report on Trust TV, which exposed many of the deals in the FCT. In a motion on Thursday during plenary, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano […]
The Senate has begun efforts to deal with the prevailing issue of thriving illegal drug business in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country following an investigative report on Trust TV, which exposed many of the deals in the FCT.
In a motion on Thursday during plenary, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), informed the Senate that the issue of illegal drug dealing had become a menace that must be tackled headlong.
His motion was titled, ‘Inside Abuja’s thriving illegal drug empire – A Trust TV undercover investigation: A call for holistic investigation’.
The senator, in the motion, listed some dangers of illicit drugs and asked the Senate to remain vigilant and unwavering in its legislative and oversight roles to combat the menace.
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Senator Kawu, in the motion, recommended that “compulsory drug testing be instituted for all individuals seeking elective or appointive public office, as a prerequisite for eligibility.
“Similarly, regulatory agencies should mandate and enforce routine drug testing within the private sector to ensure a drug-free workforce and promote national health and productivity.”
He said the Senate should commend Trust TV for its courageous and impactful investigative journalism that uncovered the alarming drug trade in Abuja.
“This vital exposé serves as a wake-up call and a valuable tool for government action. It is a commendable contribution towards building a healthier, safer and drug-free society,” he said.
The lawmaker also suggested that the Senate convene a national summit on the issue of drugs, while calling for the establishment of a special committee to investigate all findings from the undercover report.
He advised that the committee must audit security agencies, track drug seizures, and recommend prosecutions. “Its proceedings should be transparent yet protect whistleblowers,” he added.
Senator Kawu also suggested the “declaration of a National Synthetic Drug Emergency to prioritise combating ‘Ice’ and similar drugs through specialised rehab centres and school-based prevention programmes” and to facilitate security sector reform among others.
However, the motion was not debated by senators as Senate President Akpabio was addressing students of various schools who were in the chambers to observe the session after Kawu’s presentation.
Akpabio said, “I want to say happy children’s day! What Senator Kawu was speaking about has to do with report by Trust TV, talking about undercover investigation in the proliferation of drugs and how our children are being influenced by illicit drugs and all sorts of things; how drugs enter into the market and destroy lives and how it increase crime in the country.
“As you grow up, shun illicit drugs so that they cannot take over your life, lead you astray and put you in the position of collision with law enforcement agencies.”