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Sarkin Kano advocates drug abuse test for leaders
By Mike Ani
Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado has advocated for political and appointed leaders to be tested for drug abuse as a measure to clear the rising drug abuse in the country.
The Emir, who was represented in by Dr Basheer Mohammed Dankadai in an Electronic Summit against drug abuse organised by Center for Drug Abuse Education & Skills Acquisition said the Kano Emirate Council will want what is obtainable in Kano is extended to all political and appointed leaders across the country.
According to His Royal Highness, Bayero, who spoke on strategies for combating drug and substance abuse in Nigeria, the Council was prompted to take a close look at the drug and substance abuse problem in Kano state and Nigeria at large with the aim of preferring possible solutions that will drastically curtail the menace.
He listed among others the testing of all leaders of authorities before they are cleared to hold such position as obtainable in the State, “We at the Kano Emirate Council reserve all our titles from the ward head to the Emir to only those that are drug free. This includes other traditional titles that are trade related (occupational) eg.Sarkin Noma(chief of farmers),Sarkin Aska(chief of barbers).
“Cutting off the supply of all substances of abuse which will involve the following actions, aggressive search and seize operations in the illegal drug markets, our land, sea boarders and airports and also our highways and rail system by the task forces concerned. Presently such task forces are understaffed and ill- equipped, not to mention the peculiar problem of some major wholesale markets being inaccessible to law enforcement agents. Such markets include Kano Sabon Gari, Lagos Oshodi, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.
“Effective enforcement of existing laws and enacting new laws that will complement the existing ones .Such new laws should include those that will ban legal drugs that have high potential for abuse and are currently being abused but have good alternatives that are less likely to be abused. These should include but are not limited to: Bennyline with codeine (already banned, Tramadol hydrochloride, Pentazocine and Rohypnol etc.”
Bayero further said that the application of .Drastically curving demand can be achieved through aggressive awareness campaigns by our traditional rulers imams ulamaa, CSO’s, NGO’s Development partners etc.
He said a law denying recognition to those who made it to the top through illicit drugs business may act as disincentive to drug abuse by the youths adding that in the civil service certain grade levels should be reserved for only those that are drug free just as the National Assembly should make it mandatory for any political office seeker to be drug free.
He applauded Kano State government under the leadership of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for taking a cue from the Kano Emirate Council by making it mandatory for all new political appointees to pass the drug test before taking their appointment.
He explained that drastically reducing Youth unemployment and increasing the number of well-equipped and staffed rehabilitation centres and continuous awareness campaign by traditional rulers and other stake holders will also play a major role.
Also in her presentation, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, said as a mother, “I am worried at the rate of drug use not only amongst young girls, but also amongst married women. It has taken a different dimension threatening to destroy the fabric of our society. It is alarming that even in primary schools girls have been induced into this unholy act.
“As we embark on our advocacy for all to support our efforts towards promoting girl Girl-Child Education, I want to assure you that we will definitely take this on board as a critical area of focus. So many young and promising lives have been destroyed as a result of drug use.
“Drug use has never benefitted anybody. I want to also appeal to mothers that no matter how busy they are, they should endeavour to take an interest in the company their children keep. I also want to call on students to speak out when they notice something strange about their friends.
On her Part, Wife Of Kwara State Governor, Dr (Mrs) Olufolake Abdulrazaq and President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick said the will continue to support the idea for the elimination of drug abuse in the country as it has a telling effect on the overall wellbeing of the people.
Ar Olufolake Abdulrazaq who commended the organizers of the summit, said anything that will not added value to the society should be collectively eliminated hence her husband and the government of the State are doing everything possible to help check the menace.
NFF president, Pinnick said he will use football as a tool to help spread the negative effects of drug abuse and called on all stakeholders to join hands in the fight to checkmate it.
Abi Goodman, the Founder and Executive Program Coordinator of Center for Drug Abuse Education & Skills Acquisition said as anticipated, the participatipants gave the summit the credence and extensive reach that it required and the commitment that the battle against drug abuse deserves will be achievable.
Mr Shadrach Haruna, Secretary of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said the agency want more NGOs and other government t organization to support the awareness campaign to enable the summit to reach more people even at the grassroots level.
June 27, 2020
NDLEA, Arrested 196 Suspects with 883.76kg of exhibits in Taraba.
By Hassan Danzumi.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Taraba State Command on Friday revealed that it has arrested one hundred and ninety-six suspects from July 2019 to March 2020.
The Taray State Commander, Mr Suleiman Jadi disclosed this while briefing journalists in Jalingo in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Suleiman said the command in it effort towards fighting drug menace in the society has last year carried out a public burning and destruction of Narcotic drugs with a total weight of about 7000kg which was done by the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Col. Mustapha Abdallah (retd).
He maintained that out of the 196 suspects, 194 were male and 2 female, adding that Cannabis Sativa with a net weight of 555.83kg and Psychotropic substances weighing 327.76kg were seized and confiscated.
He further explained that the Command through the Federal High Court Jalingo secured a total of 39 conviction, while it’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit successfully counselled 53 clients and carried out significance anti-drug abuse awareness campaign and enlightenment programmes in schools, markets places, hospitals and motor parks as well as government offices across the state.
Mr Suleiman Jadi however, while thanking the state government for their assistance stressed the need for further assistance to respond to the current challenges posed by the menace of drug abuse.
According to the state Commander, it is imperative now more than ever for the Command to have a standard rehabilitation centre to enable citizens of the state benefit from the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that is already in place between NDLEA and National Directorate of Employment aimed at enabling the rehabilitated drug dependent person benefits and acquire skills and training from the NDE programmes free of charge.
Suleiman revealed that currently, the Taraba has not benefitted from the programme due to lack of rehabilitation facilities in the NDLEA centre in the state.
June 27, 2020
Gov. Ishaku approves appointment of First Class Chief of Donga in Taraba.
By Hassan Danzumi.
Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku has approved the appointment of Prince Sanvala Varzoa Shimbura as the new Gara Donga.
A Statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Hassan Mijinyawa says the new Gara was selected after a careful selection process by the king makers of Donga traditional Council and ratified by the State Council of Chiefs in line with laid down procedure on the appointment of Chiefs and Emirs.
Our reporter reports that late Gara of Donga, Dr Steven Bayonga death last year after a brief illness in Abuja.
June 27, 2020
Sokoto Clerk To House Calls For Support Against Drug Abuse
By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto
Marking this years’ campaign against drug abuse with the theme ” Better Knowledge For Better Cure”, the Sokoto state Chief Clerk to House of Assembly and Chairman CESADA Alhaji AbdulRAzaq Shehu calls on all and sundry to support the campaign against drug abuse.
He said the 2020 campaign is mandatory considering the present Nigerian youths daily engaging in drug abuse and trafficking.
He therefore commended the efforts of Sokoto State Government, NDLEA, Security Personels, Media and other stake holders for their un tireless support.
He added that some of the effects of Drug Abuse include Health Issues,Road Accident,Areaboyism,Riot,Theft and Imprisonment.
Others are banditry, insanity and Death among others
June 26, 2020
RULAAC monitors IGP directives on minimization of arrest and detention over simple offences
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
Rule of Law And Accountability Advocacy Action Centre (RULAAC) says it is monitoring of the recent directive by the Inspector General of Police to minimize arrest and detention over simple offences. The group also said that the project derives support from the Open Society Justice Initiative.
A statement by the Executive Director of the group, Okechukwu Nwanguma noted that the group is also monitoring law enforcement action within the framework of COVID-19 lockdown and curfew enforcement.
The statement reads:” the monitoring also assesses compliance with the recent ‘Operational Guidelines for the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies on Covid-19 prevention enforcement duties launched by the IGP as part of measures to foster a more harmonious relationship between the Police and members of the public, deeepen respect for the rights of citizens, provide a new set of policing tools for tackling emerging crimes such as domestic violence, rape, child molestation and other incidents of gender-based violence (GBV)”.
“The main objective of this intervention is to generate data with which to engage the police and law enforcement authorities on reforms focusing on the pretrial phase”.
Part of what the monitoring tends to achieve is assessmen of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on criminal justice work in Nigeria.
According to RULAAC, state monitors are to identify and report deviations from the directives and guidelines, abusive conducts and human rights violations as well as how well the police are equipped and protected to effectively carry out their duties and how far they comply with NCDC protocols, while the monitoring duration is between May 30, 2020 and November 30, 2020.
The group further explained that the project builds on the synergy developed under the Justice Initiative/RULAAC supported Police Stakeholders Partnership Forum (PSPF) in Anambra State and hopes to extend the platform to five other states as a mechanism for holding Nigerian Police personnel to account for rights violations, while growing skills and awareness to ensure prevention and diminution of such violations.
June 26, 2020
Speaker’s Statement: Gbajabiamila mourns Senator Abiola Ajimobi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has described the demise of the immediate past governor of Oyo State and All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman, South, Abiola Ajimobi, as a painful loss.
Gbajabiamila said Ajimobi was a peace-loving man that promoted same among his people and beyond, saying Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a patriotic leader.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Ajimobi lived a fulfilled life and had served the people of Oyo State diligently and patriotically.
The Speaker said he was personally touched and deeply saddened by Ajimobi’s death, saying Ajimobi is the architect of modern Oyo whose legacy will last long in the heart of many Nigerians.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people and government of Oyo State and the country as a whole, especially the larger APC family.
“Late Abiola Ajimobi was a strong pillar in the APC fold. Not only that, he was a dedicated leader that left his footprints in the sand of time in Oyo State when he served as governor for eight years, making him the longest serving governor of the state to date.
“I pray that God Almighty will grant him a peaceful resting place and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Gbajabiamila said.
Signed:
Lanre Lasisi,
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
June 26, 2020
Sokoto CP Completes Inauguration Of Command’s Community Policing Advisory Committee
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The state Commissioner of Police has today Thursday, inaugutated Sokoto South (Metro) Area Command committee at the Sultan’s palace.
In pursuance of achieving the goals of community policing policy of the Inspector General of Police IGP M. A. Adamu and following the inauguration of Area Command’s Community Policing Advisory Committees in Bodinga,Wamakko and Gwadabawa on 23rd and 24th June 2020, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim S. Kaoje had today inaugurated the Sokoto South (Metro) Area Command Advisory Committee at the Sultan’s palace which completes the four Area Commands in the state.
The CP cautioned members of the Committee to do well and make positive meaning out of their membership of the committee, he further enjoined committee members to have fear of God and uphold the trust reposed in them with utmost priority, he equally assured that the initiative will if adequately implemented, undoubtedly enhance efficiency of policing in the state.
In his resounding response, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on behalf of Traditional Rulers in the state, gave assurances of ceaseless cooperation as well as unending respect to all principles governing the operations of the community policing policy in the state.
The occasion was witnessed by the members of the Sultanate Council, Senior Police Officers and Traditional Rulers among others
June 26, 2020
COVID-19 : Nigeria records 594 fresh cases as total hits 22,614
Nigeria has announced 594 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 22,614.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced this on Thursday through its official Twitter handle.
NCDC said that the 594 new confirmed cases were from 22 states, with seven deaths as on Thursday.
The health agency said that no new state reported a case in the last 24 hours.
The NCDC said that Lagos reported the highest number of cases with 154 new cases while Delta was second with 106.
Others were Ondo-44, FCT-34, Edo-34, Oyo-33, Kaduna-33, Enugu-28, Katsina-25, Imo-22, Adamawa-15, Ogun-12, Osun-11, Abia-8, Rivers-6, Nasarawa-5, Bauchi-5, Niger-5, Kebbi-4, Ekiti-3,Plateau-1 and Taraba-1
The NCDC also said that till date, 22,614 cases had been confirmed, 14, 243 cases active, 7,822 cases treated and discharged, 122,155 samples collected while 549 deaths were recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
NCDC said in the absence of a vaccine to prevent COVID19, Nigerians must focus on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as using face masks, physical distancing and frequent hand washing.
June 26, 2020
NPF RECEIVES PPEs FROM THE CHINA GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN NIGERIA
The Nigeria Police Force have received Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) from the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and Zall Foundation of China.
The donation of the PPEs is in recognition of the critical roles of the Nigeria Police Force in the ongoing efforts at curtailing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Receiving the PPEs, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, who was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, thanked the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria for the kind gesture.
The IGP, who also called on other corporate and private groups to emulate the worthy gesture, assured that the PPEs, which include 40,000 Disposable Surgical Masks, 500 Disposable Medical Protective Suite and 1 carton of Infra-red Thermal Imaging Thermometer,
Will be duly distributed to personnel of the Force on the frontline of operations carrying out COVID-19 prevention/enforcement duties.
In his remarks, the President of China Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Ye Shuijin stated that the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria is made up of all major Chinese enterprises in Nigeria.
He also express his gratitude toward the Nigeria Police for protecting life and property in Nigerian as well as protecting Chinese citizen in Nigeria.
He noted that the Chamber acknowledges the frontline roles and importance of the Police in ensuring an enabling environment for ease of doing business in Nigeria, combatting COVID-19 pandemic and generally protecting lives and property in the country.
Also in attendance were: the Force Medical Officer, DCP Paul Laki and other Senior Police Officers, Cui Guangzhen – Director General China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Senior Colonel Liu Yougxuan – Chinese Defence attached to Nigeria, amongst others.
June 26, 2020
Security, Anti-corruption: CSOs urge Support for Buhari
The Conference of Civil Society for Peace, Security and National Development has said combating insecurity and corruption is a daunting challenge that requires absolute commitment on the part of leaders and the lead to achieve.
Consequently, the CSOs urged all Nigerians of good will to rally round President Muhammadu Buhari who has shown uncommon commitment to addressing insecurity and corruption to enable him succeed for the good of all citizens.
The CSOs comprising of over 100 groups at a solidarity rally held in Abuja on Friday said it behoves on them as civil society organisations to stand firm in ensuring a better society hence their coming together in solidarity with the Federal Government on its effort to fighting insecurity and corruption which they say are the catalysts for development.
Conveners of the group, Comr. Mike Msuaan and Mallam Adamu Kabir Matazu amongst others who spoke at the rally explained that keeping mute at a time when there are many schools of thoughts on the security and anti-corruption situation in the country will amount to disservice to the civil society movement and Nigeria in general.
The group carrying various placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria Military Needs the Support of all to Defeat Insurgency”, Buhari is Hero of Security and Anti-corruption”, “Fighting Insurgency and Corruption is not Automatic” amongst many others argued that the nation under Buhari was doing relatively well on security and anti-corruption.
“We have observed with dismay the avalanche of criticisms on the Buhari administration on the handling of security and anti-corruption in particular. However, our scrupulous findings have shown that many who have chosen to lampoon the presidency and the security chiefs are either doing so based on ignorance or mischief. Our checks also show that those who understand the intrigues of fighting insecurity and corruption make an objective assessment of the situation commending the security agencies and the anti-corruption agencies for their efforts.
“We herein reiterate that Nigeria is doing relatively well in the areas of security and anti-corruption. We were all witnesses to days when territories were held captive by terrorist groups. Bomb blasts were regular occurrences across the nation particularly in the northern region and the Federal Capital territory. However, all these have been brought to a halt or barest minimum. But, some particular individuals and groups have chosen to engage professional propagandists to rundown the efforts of the nation’s security agencies. Our findings have further revealed that some sections of the media have allowed themselves to be used by these groups for monetary gains”, the CSOs alleged.
They further regretted that most people who want President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the current service chiefs who have done so much based their arguments on career progression rather than national interest.
According to the CSOs asking for change of the service chiefs who have shown deep competence would amount to sacrificing the sovereignty of the nation for personal gains of a few individuals.
“We wish to charge every appointee of government related to security to put aside personal sentiments and work patriotically for the common good of the nation. We herein appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari who himself is a professional soldier to begin to talk to his services chiefs directly rather than allowing other appointees who may not understand his briefings properly or be mislead by other interests and pass negative messages that may dampen the moral of the service chiefs and their troops”.
June 26, 2020