Barrister Temi Nuruddin Salami, of the Initiative for Positive Growth and Collective Development (IPAD), has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to confront the allegations of internal corruption head-on.
Salami was reacting to the ongoing war of words between the anti-narcotics agency and Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Yisa Ashiru.
Recall that Senator Ashiru, while contributing to the Bill of Act to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, described the agency as the “most corrupt and compromised agency.”
However, the NDLEA, in its response, said Ashiru’s comment was borne out of vendetta rather than any altruistic motive or national interest.
Reacting, Salami, in a statement on Tuesday, described the comment by the agency as disappointing and a gross disrespect to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said, “It is undeniable that the current leadership of the NDLEA under Brig. Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd) is doing its best in fighting drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria; however, it is common knowledge that there are bad eggs in the agency.
“Sad as it is, the statement made by the Senator is unfortunately the reality of the NDLEA today.
“There have been several instances and reports of NDLEA officers collecting bribes to free offenders, and a good number of their officers also retail confiscated drugs to dealers. The agency should look inward and focus on the forest, not a tree.
“If the Senator is found wanting, then the agency, as an institution established by law, should not hesitate to prosecute him in accordance with the extant laws.
“The tongue-lashing approach adopted by the NDLEA is not only disappointing but a gross disrespect to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees legislative immunity.
“Even a convicted drug offender can legitimately criticize the activities of the agency. What they ought to do as an agency is to look inward and speak to the issues.
“The prevalence of drug and substance abuse calls for a more reformative approach, like the establishment of the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
“Going forward, we implore the agency to stay focused on the goal and embrace criticism as a nudge towards achieving a healthier nation.”