-As Gov Ganduje destroys fake drugs worth over N380m
Governor Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufa’i of Kaduna state, takes a leaf from governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, in the fight against drug abuse, as observed by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, adding that Ganduje’s strategy is worth copying.
The observation was made by NDLEA Commandant, Kano office, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, who made this known during a destruction exercise of expired/adulterated packaged food and illicit drugs worth over N380 Million, which took place at NDLEA office Airport road, Tuesday, by governor Ganduje.
Dr Abdul said, “For a very long time, I came to know that it was only Kano state under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje that we have Special Adviser on the Fight Against Drugs Abuse. But I learned that Kaduna state governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i is copying from Gov. Ganduje in having Special Adviser on the Fight Against Drug Abuse also.”
Explaining that, Ganduje’s style and strategy in fighting against drug abuse, is commendable and worth copying because of the fruitful results the state is witnessing.
“When governor Ganduje assumed the mantle of leadership, Kano was the first in the list of states with drug abuse. But because of what the governor has been doing to safeguard his state, Kano is now the 6th state in the list. This is highly commendable by all standard,” he appreciates.
In his remarks governor Ganduje said his administration attaches importance to the fight against drug abuse, “That was why I directed that all political appointees must go through drug test. All my Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Advisers, Heads of Agencies, among others, were tested. NDLEA is here to testify that.”
“Because we are determined in this fight, that is why we said we must institutionalise the effort. A Bill is before the State Assembly on Drug Administration Agency. We want have strong institution for that. But then we are not usurping the responsibilities of other federal agencies saddled with this responsibility.
We are only complimenting their efforts. That is why, when established, the Agency would work hand in hand with the federal agencies to achieve drug-free society,” he reveals.
While calling on all the agencies responsible for the fight against drug abuse, to partner with each other, he said “Working together as a team is necessary for the success of the effort. All security agencies should also work closely with other agencies to see that we achieve this in our state and the nation in general.”
On the relocation of drug sellers from Sabon Gari to the newly established, under construction, Dangwauro World Market, he strongly warned that, “All drug marketers from Sabon Gari must relocate to the new market. Which satisfies the federal government policy on open market for drugs.”
Warning further that, he would not take any complaint on trivialities, that, “Whoever has any complaint should come to my office and report. But to complain on trivial issues like the building is not fit for one’s business and other such issues, would not be tolerated.
If you have any issue come to my office and I will call on all the stakeholders and discuss it. This is a very strong warning I am putting forth!
He commended all the agencies responsible for the fight against drug abuse, together with all the security agencies and state Agencies like Hisbah, Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) amongst others.
