By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja
The Senate has formed a six-member ad Hoc Committee to investigate the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) claims that Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South), the Senate’s Deputy Leader, used his residence in Ilorin as a drug storage facility.
Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio announced the committee’s formation following a motion raised by Senator Ashiru, who firmly asserted that he neither uses hard drugs nor confuses cannabis with other narcotics.
The committee, led by former Senate Minority Leader Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia South), includes Senators Efe Dafinone (APC Delta Central), Ireti Kingibe (LP FCT), Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (APC Ogun Central), Lawal Usman (PDP Kaduna Central), and Shehu Kaka (APC Borno Central). The committee is tasked with submitting a report within one week.
The NDLEA alleged that Ashiru’s home in Ilorin was raided two days’ prior, revealing illicit drugs. They accused him of vendetta stemming from his remarks during a Senate debate on October 15 regarding a bill to create the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, where he criticised the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”
During the session, Senator Ashiru, speaking under Order 42 of the Senate Rules, denied the allegations in a statement released Monday, labelling it an act of persecution. He expressed concern that the NDLEA targeted him for personal attacks, undermining his privilege as a senator to speak freely in debates.
He emphasised that he has never consumed drugs, stating, “At 68 years old, I do not even recognise cannabis or any narcotic. Beyond drinking water, I abstain from alcohol and any drugs, including carbonated beverages.”
Senator Ashiru further criticised the NDLEA’s actions as an attempt to intimidate the Senate, insisting that the issue of drug abuse must be addressed regardless of the individuals involved. He deemed the allegations against him as baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation and hinder his participation in legislative discussions.
Senate President Akpabio noted that the NDLEA’s response likely stemmed from Ashiru’s earlier comments regarding the integrity of its officials. He reminded his colleagues that statements made in the Senate are protected by privilege and cannot be debated publicly.
While acknowledging that Senator Ashiru had not been formally charged or invited by the NDLEA for questioning, Akpabio highlighted the need for the Senate to treat the matter seriously, stating, “Injury to one is an injury to all.” He then introduced the members of the hoc committee and directed them to summon NDLEA representatives and relevant individuals to substantiate their claims.
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