The Nigerian Senate has called on the Chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), General Buba Marwa, to address allegations involving the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru.
Senator Ashiru, who represents Kwara South under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is at the center of a controversy following claims by the NDLEA that he made critical remarks about the agency.
The matter came to light after the NDLEA alleged that Senator Ashiru had spoken negatively about the agency’s actions. The senator’s reported frustration stemmed from his inability to prevent the arrest and subsequent prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in drug-related offenses at his residence.
This has sparked concern among his colleagues and led to the Senate taking the matter seriously.
In response to the allegations, the Senate has established a six-member committee tasked with investigating the situation. The panel is chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Other members of the committee include Senator Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), Senator Ireti Kingibe (Labour Party, Federal Capital Territory), Senator Afolabi Shauibu (APC, Ogun Central), and Senator Lawal Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central).
The committee’s mandate is to invite all individuals involved in the dispute, including the NDLEA chairman and Senator Ashiru himself. This investigation is seen as a crucial step to clarify the details of the incident and ensure that the matter is handled transparently.
The issue was brought before the Senate following a point of order raised by Senator Ashiru. Citing Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders, Ashiru expressed concern over how the allegations have impacted his reputation.
He stated that the NDLEA’s actions and the subsequent public perception have caused significant damage to his integrity.
“I neither take alcohol nor carbonated drinks except water,” Senator Ashiru emphasized while defending his character and urging the Senate to take the matter seriously.
The Senate’s decision to investigate followed a closed-door session, which lasted for over an hour and a half. The session, held on Tuesday, commenced at 11:49 a.m. and concluded at 1:25 p.m., after which the Senate decided to pursue further investigation into the allegations.
The inquiry is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the NDLEA’s claims and whether Senator Ashiru’s comments were indeed related to an effort to influence the agency’s actions. The NDLEA is known for its firm stance on drug-related offenses, and the allegations against a high-ranking senator have raised eyebrows across the country.
