The Nigerian Senate has summoned General Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to appear before it.
Allegations were made by the NDLEA against Senator Oyelola Ashiru, Deputy Senate Leader and APC representative for Kwara South.
The NDLEA claims that Senator Ashiru made disparaging comments about the agency after failing to stop the arrest and trial of individuals involved in drug abuse at his residence.
To address this, the Senate has established a six-member panel, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, APGA representative for Abia South. Other panel members include Senator Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), Senator Afolabi Shauibu (APC, Ogun Central), and Senator Lawal Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central).
The panel’s primary objective is to invite all parties involved in the accusation and investigate the matter thoroughly.
Senator Ashiru, under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Order, expressed concerns about the impact of the NDLEA’s reaction on his integrity. He emphasized that he doesn’t consume alcohol or carbonated drinks, only water, and urged the Senate to take the matter seriously.
The Senate’s decision was made after a closed-door session that lasted from 11:49 am to 1:25 pm. This development is significant, especially considering the NDLEA’s recent claims that illicit drugs were recovered from Senator Ashiru’s house in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The agency also stated that three of Ashiru’s aides were arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced, including one who was jailed in June this year.
The NDLEA’s Chairman, General Buba Marwa, represented by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, noted that Senator Ashiru’s comments were unfounded and defamatory. Marwa emphasized the NDLEA’s professionalism and successes in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, citing international recognition and support from governments and organizations worldwide.
