Governorship candidates shun drug abuse discussion

Four out of the five gubernatorial candidates in Kano were absent during a discussion organised by the Nagarta Youth Development Enlightenment Initiative to fathom out modalities on how to tackle menace of drug abuse in the state.

Those absent at the meeting were A. A. Zaura of the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), Muhammad Abacha of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of All Progressive Congress (APC) and Abba Kabiru Yusuf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, the only governorship candidate that attended the meeting was that of People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Malam Salihu Sagir Takai.

Speaking at the meeting, Takai said PRP had a comprehensive package for human development which includes the issue of fight against drug abuse.

He said, “We have a lot of plans in terms of developing Kano state, plans in terms of human and economic development. We don’t have to disclose our strategy for eradicating menace of drug abuse and trafficking as those involved could develop counter-strategy ahead of time.”

Takai added that there must be sincerity of purpose on the part of those saddled with the responsibility of enforcement of laws and everyone must discharge his responsibility effectively and efficiently in order to have a better society.

In his address, a former Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Abba,
represented by Alhaji Salisu Mukhtar Harbau, said idleness was one of the problems that aggravate the issue of drug abuse, suggesting that there are ample opportunities in farming to engage the young ones thereby reducing the menace.

“In most cases it was a problem of unemployment, and I assure you that Kano/Jigawa All Seasons Farmers Association is ready to take as many young people as possible to engage them in farming where we have numerous opportunities,” he said President of the association, Alhaji Aminu Idris, who expressed dismay over the candidates’ inability to attend the discussion, argued that the initiative could help in addressing at least 75 per cent of drug related problems in the state.

“One of the major problems we are facing in Kano is the wide gap between the old and the young. The elderly don’t draw us near to them to advise and guide us,” he said.

Some of the participants who presented goodwill messages at the meeting include the representatives of Nigerian Immigration Services, ACI Muhammad Mustapha Fagge; AIG Zone 1, ASP Haruna Mukhtar; NDLEA, CSN Munir Mustapha; Nigerian Prison Services, ACP Ahasu Aliyu; Servicom Permanent Secretary, Abdullahi Musa and Malam Ibrahim Khalil among others.