The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to a corruption allegation levelled against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Yisa Ashiru.
Ashiru had claimed that the drug agency was the most corrupt and compromised government agency in Nigeria.
He alleged that there was a high rate of drug trafficking going on in the country because of the corruption within the agency.
However, HURIWA has stated that the politician’s stand could be politically motivated since he failed to back his claims with tangible and traceable evidence.
They argued that the lawmaker’s claim may be a figment of his imagination.
The Association wondered why those elected to lead and represent the people could be speaking on serious and sensitive issues without control.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference, the group called for an urgent investigation into the senator’s claims, insisting that the issue should not be swept under the carpet.
HURIWA said, “We find it alarming that a lawmaker would make such a ‘reckless’ and generalized allegation against one of Nigeria’s agencies (without any evidence).
“We at HURIWA suspect that the introduction of this bill is a game plan orchestrated by certain forces who are unhappy with the current NDLEA leadership’s determination to intensify the drug war.
“The NDLEA already has departments dedicated to drug awareness and rehabilitation.
“The proposal to create another agency with similar functions would only serve to weaken the NDLEA’s capacity and could be seen as a deliberate attempt to destabilize its operations.
“This bill is not just redundant; it is a direct attack on the NDLEA. The NDLEA’s public awareness programs and rehabilitation efforts are already effective, so there is no need for another agency. The only thing this bill will achieve is to divide resources and energy, ultimately weakening the fight against drug barons.”