In a bold statement during a Senate debate today, Senator Sumaila Abdulrahman-Kawu of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has called upon his fellow lawmakers to take a stand against the rising drug abuse crisis in Nigeria. He challenged them to swear on the Quran or Bible that they are not complicit in sponsoring drug abuse among the nation’s youth.
Senator Abdulrahman-Kawu made these remarks while contributing to discussions on a proposed bill aimed at establishing a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. He expressed grave concerns that politicians are not only failing to combat drug abuse but are actively contributing to it by providing drugs to young people for political gain.
“How many of us here can swear with the Quran or the Bible, that they are not supporting drug-related activities in their communities? How many of us?” he asked, prompting murmurs among his colleagues. His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that the political class bears significant responsibility for the escalating drug problem in Nigeria.
The senator's comments come at a critical time when drug abuse, particularly among the youth, is becoming increasingly prevalent.
The debate surrounding the proposed bill has revealed deep divisions among lawmakers regarding the best approach to tackle this issue. While some senators acknowledged the severity of drug abuse in Nigeria, others expressed skepticism about creating another agency to address it, suggesting that existing bodies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are already fulfilling this role.
Senator Abdulrahman-Kawu's challenge has sparked discussions about accountability within the political sphere and the need for a unified approach to combat drug abuse effectively. As Nigeria continues to grapple with this pressing issue, his call for transparency and integrity among lawmakers serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being of the nation’s youth.
The Senate is expected to continue deliberations on this bill, which seeks not only to promote drug awareness but also to facilitate rehabilitation for those affected by substance abuse.