Barrister Temi Nuruddin Salami, representing the Initiative for Positive Growth and Collective Development (IPAD), has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address serious allegations of internal corruption.
This comes amid escalating tensions between the agency and Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Yisa Ashiru.
Senator Ashiru recently referred to the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised” organisation while discussing a Bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
In response, the agency dismissed his comments as motivated by personal vendetta rather than genuine concern for national interests.
Salami described the NDLEA’s rebuttal as “disappointing” and “a gross disrespect to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the agency’s efforts under Brig. Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd) ‘s leadership in tackling drug abuse but emphasised, “It is common knowledge that there are bad eggs in the agency.”
He cited numerous reports of NDLEA officers allegedly accepting bribes to release offenders and retailing confiscated drugs, urging the agency to “look inward” rather than deflect criticism.
“The tongue-lashing approach adopted by the NDLEA is not only disappointing but a gross disrespeAjibola Bashiru, ct to the Constitution,” he added, stressing that even those with convictions can criticise the agency’s activities.
Salami called for a reformative approach to address the pervasive drug issue in Nigeria, advocating for the establishment of the proposed National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
He implored the NDLEA to embrace constructive criticism and focus on its mandate: “What they ought to do is to look inward and speak to the issues.”