By Ibrahim Garba
Abuja (Core Reporters) Senator representing Kano South, Kawu Sumaila, has accused politicians of fueling drug abuse in Nigeria.
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 a 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.
The Kano Senator suggested that to get rid of drug abuse and peddling, all politicians seeking elective offices must be made to undergo drug tests.
The lawmaker challenged politicians including his colleagues at the Senate to swear with the Qur’an or Holy Bible, that they were not culpable.
“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,” he said.
“As I am speaking now, most of our offices in our constituencies, most of our political offices, most of our houses, when you go there you will find mountains of drugs.”
“Mr President, we need to be serious.”
“There are drug dealers in our offices and our houses.”
“I am immune to talk, I am in the chamber of the senate and I can take you to some of the political leaders who are in so many ways contributing to drug abuse.”
“Mr President, we need to be serious.”
Sumaila was, however, ruled out of order by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who presided over the session.
“Your contribution is not relevant to the subject matter,” Jibrin added.
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 as a whole.
