Kehinde Fajobi
The Senate has established a six-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the recent allegations against Senator Ashiru Oyelola, who represents Kwara South.
This committee will summon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to provide explanations concerning the accusations.
The NDLEA had recently claimed that Senator Ashiru’s residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, was raided, resulting in the discovery of illicit drugs. These allegations arose shortly after Senator Ashiru’s remarks on October 15, during a Senate debate on a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
In that debate, the senator referred to the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”
During plenary session on Tuesday, Senator Ashiru invoked Order 42, highlighting the NDLEA’s press statement issued on October 21, which he deemed an act of witch-hunting.
He expressed his belief that the agency had unfairly targeted him for personal attacks and had undermined his privilege as a senator to participate freely in debates.
Senator Ashiru accused the NDLEA of resorting to “subterfuge and gas-lighting,” viewing its actions as an attempt to intimidate the Senate and stifle its rights to discuss national issues openly.
The Senate President, while addressing the issue, expressed scepticism about the timing of the NDLEA’s allegations, stating that he would not rush to any conclusions.
In a voice vote, the lawmakers agreed to defer appropriate actions until after receiving the recommendations from the newly formed ad-hoc committee, which is expected to report within one week.