The Senate of Nigeria has taken a decisive step to address serious allegations made against Senator Oyelola Ashiru by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
On Tuesday, the Senate formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate these drug distribution claims.
The committee is chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and includes Senators Ede Dafinone, Afolabi Shaibu, Shehu Kaka, and Lawal Usman.
This move came after Ashiru presented a point of order under Senate Standing Rules, which allowed him to explain his position on the allegations.
Senator Ashiru, representing Kwara State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), firmly denied the NDLEA’s claims.
“I want to ascertain that in my life, I am 68 years old now; I cannot even identify cannabis or any drug,” he stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern over the NDLEA’s actions.
He noted that Ashiru had previously approached him about a breach of his rights and privileges.
Akpabio stated, “If they felt you were a drug baron, they would have arrested you when you were 30, 50, 60, 65 years, not at the age of 68.”
He emphasized that the Senate must take the matter seriously, saying, “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
The NDLEA has alleged that Senator Ashiru is involved in drug distribution.
However, Ashiru claims that these accusations stem from his contributions to a Senate bill aimed at establishing a drug rehabilitation center.
He argued that his comments were based on information from his constituency about the negative impacts of drug abuse.
Ashiru pointed out that over the past two years, more than 50 individuals in his constituency had suffered severe mental health issues due to drug use.
“Rather than NDLEA addressing the issues raised by the Senate, it resorted to deceit,” he remarked.
This statement reflects Ashiru’s frustration with the agency’s response to his advocacy against drug abuse.
The Senate’s decision to investigate is a significant move to uphold its integrity and the rights of its members.
President Akpabio has made it clear that if the NDLEA fails to justify its allegations, the Senate will take “drastic action.”
The committee is expected to invite representatives from the NDLEA to provide evidence supporting their claims.
Senator Ashiru has expressed hope that the investigation will clear his name and reaffirm his dedication to combating drug-related issues.
“I have supported the establishment of an institute for awareness and rehabilitation of persons affected by drugs,” he added.
Senator Ashiru criticized the NDLEA for what he described as a “malicious” attack on his character.
He argued that the agency’s actions are an attempt to undermine his credibility as a lawmaker.
“The report was an attempt to infringe on the Senate’s right to free debate on issues of national interest,” Ashiru stated.
He emphasized the need for the Senate to protect its members from baseless accusations that could hinder their ability to participate in discussions on critical issues.
Ashiru’s comments highlight the broader implications of such allegations on the legislative process and the importance of maintaining trust in governmental institutions.
The NDLEA now faces scrutiny regarding its methods and the integrity of its operations.
The agency has previously been criticized for its handling of drug-related issues in Nigeria.
The ongoing investigation will likely bring to light the NDLEA’s practices and whether they align with the principles of fairness and transparency.
Senator Akpabio’s comments suggest that the Senate is prepared to hold the agency accountable for its actions.