From Olukayode Idowu, Abuja
A women advocacy group, Women, Youth, Children, and Crime Organisation (WYCCO) led by former Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has expressed support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and seek to partner with it in its offensive against illicit drugs.
The group, said this during a courtesy call on the NDLEA’s Chairman Gen. Buba Marwa, at the NDLEA headquarters yesterday in Abuja. Waziri who commended the efforts of the agency in combating drug abuse, said Northern youths decided to support the war against drugs, as young Nigerians were becoming high consumers of narcotics.
According to her, the group has interest in combating the consumption of illicit drugs seeks ways to and would want to partner with the NDLEA in the advocacy and fight against drugs.
She lamented that the high rate of unemployment in the country owing to the large numbers of graduates from the over 170 universities in the country has contributed greatly to the high level of drug consumption among the youths.
The former EFCC boss also re-emphasised call on politicians to undergo psychiatrist tests before occupying public office.
She noted that the drug test is to ensure that these politicians do not hold public offices under the influence of drugs.
In addition, she lamented that politicians used these youths for thurgry under the influence of drugs.
Responding, Chairman the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), emphasised on the need for politicians seeking public offices and students seeking admission into higher institutions to undergo drug integrity test.
According to him, there is the need for the people to entrust the management of their treasury and their wellbeing in the hands of politicians that have clear minds because no public office holder under the influence of drugs can think straight.”
“We cannot entrust the resources of this country to people whose heads are not straight. Politicians ought to be tested and certified fit to constest public office.
“He said same thing applies to students who are seeking admission into higher institutions.
“He said because of the evidence-based strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges across the country, concerted efforts must be made towards tackling the drug scourge headlong.
Marwa who lamented that the country is facing drug scourge called on families and groups to partner with the agency to curb the menance.
He commended Mrs Waziri for setting up the organization while assuring her of the support of the agency.