NDLEA Asks Political Parties to Make Drug Test Part of Screening for Aspirants

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), has advised political parties to make drug integrity test part of the screening requirements for aspirants seeking to contest political offices in the 2023 elections on their platforms.

Marwa gave this advice while responding to questions from journalists at the 2022 First Quarter Best Performing Commands Awards ceremony at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

He said: “For politicians, we have long advocated, and I take the opportunity again to repeat the advocacy that when they run for public office, it demands a lot of responsibility from the person and we need to be certain if he’s a person that is already a drug addict/user who will spend all the money he’s given for public service to consume cocaine and his head will not be in a stable condition to handle the affairs he has been entrusted with.

“For this reason, we have advocated and will continue to advocate that drug test be conducted for politicians, and some state governments like Kano State is already doing it.

“Not just politicians alone, but government appointees, and I’ve just sent a letter this morning to the national chairman of APC, who will be the first of the National Working Committee (NWC) I wish to pay an advocacy visit on this issue. I recommended that drug tests be incorporated in the screening process for all those interested in running for public office. We’ll do the same to the PDP and other important parties.”

Marwa also disclosed that the agency has a standing rule of investigating the assets of anyone standing trial for drug trafficking or related offence, as no one should be allowed to benefit from the proceed of trading or trafficking in drug.

He made this clarification when answering questions from journalists whether there was an ongoing investigation into property believed to be owed by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, who is presently facing legal charges over his involvement in drug case.

The NDLEA boss, while addressing officers and men of the agency present at the event, said the ceremony “has become part and parcel of our corporate culture. Recognising and rewarding hard work and excellence has always been a pragmatic way of stimulating productivity and enhancing the attainment of organisational goals; making it a tradition for the agency is our way of enshrining meritocracy in the system.”

He said: “Statistics from the first quarter (Q1) report indicated that our performance level has not dropped off. Indeed, achieving 3, 539 arrests, 677 convictions and seizures of 65, 916 kg of drugs in three months is no mean feat. Little wonder our performance continually earns the agency deserved accolades from the right quarters within the country as well as from abroad, especially from international partners and peers. While we have not yet achieved the utopia of a drug-free society, the results showed that we are getting it right.”

Marwa, while assuring the officers that the agency is proud of them, said: “The sacrifice of a narcotic officer cannot be quantified in gold or silver, for he is fulfilling a higher calling. As we go about our duty of securing our society against the corrosion of illicit drugs, we should be aware that we are the direct beneficiaries of our work because for every kilo of drugs seized, we are making our streets and society safer for our children, family and kinsmen.

“NDLEA is proud of its workforce; the agency treasures the effort of its officers and men, and the management shall continue to look out for their best interest. We shall continue to reward hard work and excellence.”