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UN drug report, a reason to unite against cartels in Nigeria

Latest Politics updatein nigeria

It is a known fact that drug trafficking and abuse are at a level that calls for all of us to roll up our sleeves and join the ongoing effort to wrestle the scourge to the ground in nigeria. A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) corroborated this fact […]
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It is a known fact that drug trafficking and abuse are at a level that calls for all of us to roll up our sleeves and join the ongoing effort to wrestle the scourge to the ground in nigeria. A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) corroborated this fact in its recent report that the “Nigerian market tops the list of cocaine smuggling regions in Africa.”

That raises a critical question: “Is there no one checking drug barons for them to have gained ground in nigeria with their illicit business?” This is where the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, comes in, as the body charged with the arrest and prosecution of drug offenders.

From all indications, NDLEA has been up and doing. Nigerians still remember the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the country which was pulled off last year in Ikorodu, Lagos, by the agency. Just a week before the governorship and state Assembly elections, operatives of NDLEA arrested 100 drug dealers of illicit substances, mostly marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, at Akala, Mushin area of Lagos State.

Discerning citizens can easily connect the dots that the mop-up operations prevented drug-fuelled violence during the polls. 

Generally, statistics from NDLEA give a good picture of effective drug law enforcement. For instance, the agency in its report said it has in the past 24 months made 26,450 arrests, recorded 3, 733 convictions and seized 5,730 tons of illicit substances. There is hardly any week that drug offenders are not apprehended by officers of the agency.

Therefore, beyond any doubt, the country has an effective anti-narcotic agency that all Nigerians must be proud of. It is an understatement to say that NDLEA is doing a fantastic job at the moment. It is hoped that the agency will sustain the tempo.

Having said that, we have to also ask this blunt question: Why are there continuous arrests and seizures, despite the unflagging and fruitful efforts of NDLEA?

That tells us that there is a need for other components of society to join hands with NDLEA to safeguard our society from the scourge of illicit drugs.

Society has a part to play by volunteering information to NDLEA on anyone suspected to be dealing in illicit substances. The media needs to keep the illicit drug issue on the front burner to impress the citizens about the urgency and imperative of collaborating with NDLEA to stamp out this menace. Other relevant agencies will have to continue to work with NDLEA in partnership to make the country unbearable for drug barons and transnational criminal organisations.

Religious leaders, community leaders and family heads too also have to play their part by ensuring that their members stay away from illicit drugs.

As a society, if we can have this unity of purpose, we will be giving the NDLEA the needed fillip in its war against illicit drug merchants.

 

Adekunbi Lawal wrote from Jabi, Abuja.

 

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BREAKING: APC Suspends Ganduje – 365 News

Latest Politics updatein nigeria

Lifestyle Nigeria gathered that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganduje Ward of Dawakin Tofa local government area of Kano State has suspended the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, from the party.

The announcement was made by the ward’s legal adviser, Halliru Gwanzo, who addressed journalists in Kano on Monday.

Gwanzo cited allegations of bribery against Ganduje by the Kano State Government as the reason for the suspension.

“We decided to suspend Dr. Ganduje from the party due to the seriousness of the allegations against him,” Gwanzo stated.

He said the suspension subsists until he clears himself from the allegations.

Details Later…

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Coastal Highway Dispute: Obi Calls Out Umahi to Substantiate Allegations

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Peter-Obi-and-Dave-Umahi

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has addressed what he calls the “distortion of facts” surrounding his actions and statements during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, particularly concerning the ongoing demolitions for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal super highway.

In a statement on Thursday via his X account, Obi stated, “I aim to address these issues directly, devoid of political rhetoric, to ensure clarity for all. Let me be unequivocal: during my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.”

Referring to a circulated Update, Obi clarified, “The circulated Update clearly stated this, and I only initiated removal when construction had already commenced. Any insinuation otherwise is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth.”

He challenged critics, saying, “I challenge anyone to verify and show me where the demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval while I served as governor.”

Obi cited the demolition of the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium.

“I decisively demolished the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium, relocated, and built a brand new structure for the local government office away from the stadium,” he explained.

He further detailed his actions as aimed at restoring the stadium to its original purpose and honouring Nigerian sports heroes.

“This action was necessary to restore the stadium to its original purpose as a sporting facility for the people. Subsequently, the stadium was rightfully named after the first owner of the first football club figure in Nigerian sports, Chuba Ikpeazu, as a tribute to our commitment to honouring our heroes,” Obi stated.

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Akpabio: No Nigerian Will Work Under Inhuman Conditions Again

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Akpabio

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the executive arm of government would work collaboratively to give them a living wage and better working conditions.

The Senate President declared that “No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions. We will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

He made the declaration in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, to congratulate the workers as they commemorate the 2024 May Day.

Akpabio, in the message, extolled the sterling qualities that stood out to the Nigerian workers, saying, “A Nigerian worker is noted for his patriotism, hard work, resilience, and dedication to duty.

“I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian workers in the last more than 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly.”

Speaking on this year’s theme for Workers’ Day, “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” Akpabio promised that the National Assembly under his leadership was more than committed to ensuring the best working conditions for the Nigerian workers.

The Senate President reiterated that the theme for this year’s celebration was apt and in tune with the international best practices, assuring that nigeria would not be left behind.

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