Politicians ‘fuelling’ drug abuse – Senator Sumaila

The senator representing Kano South, Kawu Sumaila, has indicted politicians for allegedly fuelling the use of illicit drugs by youths in the country.

Sumaila flayed his colleagues while contributing to a debate on a bill sponsored by Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central), titled, “A bill for an act to establish national institute for drug awareness and rehabilitation 2024”, during plenary on Tuesday.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Senator Hanga said the institute, if established, would coordinate and promote drug awareness, prevent substance abuse and facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users.

But while contributing, Senator Sumaila said the institute would not help the situation until politicians change their way of doing things.

• ‘Admission of malnourished children rises to 24% in N/East’
• Suspect abandons stolen ram after sighting owner in Abuja market

The Kano senator suggested that to get rid of drug abuse and peddling in the country, all politicians seeking elective offices must be made to undergo a drug test.

The lawmaker challenged politicians including his colleagues at the Senate to swear with the Qur’an or Holy Bible, that they were not culpable.

He said, “What do we do during our campaigns? I will suggest that those who seek elective offices undergo a drug test. Some of our political leaders are into drug abuse. Let’s go through the test and see who is who.”

Sumaila was however ruled out of order by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who presided over the session. Barau said his contribution was not relevant to the subject of the debate.

After contributions by senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), Salihu Mustapha (APC,  Kwara Central), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) and many others, the bill scaled second reading.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics for further legislative action. Senator Barau gave the committee four weeks within which to report back to the committee of the whole.