Senator Ashiru is Charged by the NDLEA of Trading in illegal Dr-ugs, But Akpabio Defends Him.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called upon the Senate to extend an invitation to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other pertinent organizations to provide evidence regarding the drug-related accusations levied against the Deputy Senate Leader, Yisa Ashiru. On Monday, the NDLEA responded to Ashiru's claims, in which he labeled the agency as “the most corrupt and compromised agency” during a recent discussion concerning a bill aimed at creating the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA asserted that Ashiru's residence in Kwara had been searched following intelligence that indicated it was being utilized as a drug distribution point. Babafemi further claimed that two aides of the senator were apprehended during the operation, while one managed to flee. “The senator's personal residence in GRA Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, was previously raided, resulting in the recovery of drugs and illegal substances. Two of his aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested based on credible intelligence and surveillance that confirmed the senator's house was functioning as a drug hub for dealers and users,” the NDLEA statement indicated. Following a motion presented by Ashiru during Tuesday's plenary session, Akpabio dismissed the NDLEA's assertions, characterizing them as driven by personal animosity. During the same plenary, the Senate established a six-member ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations. The committee will be chaired by Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), with members including Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), Afolabi Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), and Lawal Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central). In his remarks at the plenary, Akpabio stated, “I believe that any actions taken by the NDLEA should be grounded in your [Ashiru’s] assertions here, which highlighted the necessity for scrutiny regarding the integrity of NDLEA officials, especially in the context of the debate on establishing the rehabilitation center for drug users.” Nigerians appear to be unaware that the discussions taking place here are privileged, protected by immunity, and not open to public debate on television or radio. “You have not been summoned or charged by the NDLEA, and to our knowledge in the Senate, you are a respectable individual who abstains from alcohol. This matter is of great significance, and we must hold the NDLEA accountable.” Akpabio subsequently proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to “invite the NDLEA and other relevant parties to substantiate these claims,” cautioning that should the agency fail to comply, “the Senate will take severe measures.” He further stated, “An injury to one is an injury to all.” Earlier, Ashiru had introduced a motion of urgent national importance, referencing Senate Standing Orders 9, 10, 41, and 52. He condemned the allegations made by the NDLEA as “deceptive and misleading.” In a personal explanation, Ashiru addressed the agency’s response to his remarks during the debate on the proposed bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. Ashiru clarified, “I voiced my concerns regarding this bill due to the substantial feedback from my constituency about the detrimental impacts of drug use and trafficking. “One of my constituents even informed me that over the past two years, he has witnessed 50 individuals lose their mental stability due to drug consumption.” He further detailed, “There are also clear instances of drug traffickers profiting from drug distribution in my constituency and beyond. “I contributed to the discussion, urging the Senate to investigate the NDLEA's operations and tackle corruption among its personnel. “I fully endorsed the bill aimed at creating another agency dedicated to drug rehabilitation.” Ashiru sought to defend his reputation, emphasizing, “I am 68 years old and cannot even recognize cannabis or any other drug. “Aside from drinking water, I do not consume alcohol, drugs, or even carbonated beverages. The claims made by the NDLEA are a direct response to my statements in the Senate." He additionally criticized the actions of the NDLEA, stating, “This represents an effort to restrict the Senate’s right to engage in open discussions regarding national matters. “The accusations made by the NDLEA are malicious, aimed at damaging my reputation and obstructing my complete involvement in parliamentary discussions.” Ashiru called upon the Senate to intervene in order to safeguard himself and other members from such baseless claims. In the previous week’s discussion concerning the same legislation, Ashiru referred to the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”