In a heated Senate plenary session on Tuesday, Senator Sumaila Abdulrahman-Kawu (NNPP, Kano South) stirred controversy by daring his fellow lawmakers to swear on the Quran or Bible if they do not support drug abusers in their constituencies.
The senator made this bold statement while contributing to the debate on the second reading of “A Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation,” sponsored by Senator Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central).
The bill, which aims to establish a national institute to combat drug abuse, raise awareness, and rehabilitate drug users, seeks to further tackle the menace of substance abuse across the country.
However, during the debate, Senator Abdulrahman-Kawu shifted the spotlight towards his colleagues, accusing Nigerian politicians of indirectly fueling drug abuse among the youth for political gain.
The senator alleged that political leaders are responsible for creating an environment where drug abuse thrives, especially during election periods.
He claimed that some politicians actively supply intoxicants to the youth, encouraging them to engage in unlawful activities on their behalf.
“As leaders in this country, we are stakeholders, and we need to do more,” Abdulrahman-Kawu said.
“How many of us can swear on the Quran or Bible that we have not, in some way, supported drug abusers in our constituencies for political causes?”
The lawmaker urged his colleagues to reflect on their actions during election campaigns, challenging them to undergo drug tests before running for office or accepting government appointments.
He emphasized that only by holding themselves accountable can they achieve the goals of the proposed bill and put an end to drug abuse.
“We cannot achieve the intent of this bill unless we come together as stakeholders to stop drug abuse in Nigeria,” he stated.
“Let us ask ourselves, during our campaigns, what are we doing with the so-called youths?”
Senator Abdulrahman-Kawu’s remarks have cast a spotlight on the role of political elites in perpetuating Nigeria’s drug crisis.
He accused politicians of stockpiling drugs in their homes and maintaining supply channels, particularly during election periods, to manipulate young people into unlawful activities.
The proposed bill, which seeks to complement the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is aimed at establishing a dedicated institute to promote drug awareness and facilitate the rehabilitation of users.
However, critics argue that the NDLEA, which was established in 1990, already performs similar functions, including enforcing drug laws, curbing trafficking, and eradicating narcotics.
Despite these concerns, the bill has garnered significant attention, especially in light of Abdulrahman-Kawu’s scathing indictment of Nigeria’s political class.
His comments have raised questions about the sincerity of political leaders in addressing the country’s growing drug problem and their commitment to reform.
With drug abuse continuing to ravage communities across Nigeria, Senator Abdulrahman-Kawu’s challenge to his fellow lawmakers underscores the urgent need for accountability, both within the political sphere and beyond.
Whether his colleagues will take up his dare and swear their innocence on the Quran or Bible remains to be seen, but the senator’s call for a united front in the fight against drug abuse has sparked a critical conversation in the nation’s legislature.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
