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Drug abuse: Prayer, beating can’t stop mental illness – NDLEA
The Ogun State Commandant of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Jane Ibiba Odili, has bemoaned the use of flogging, starvation, and prayers to solve mental illness caused by the abuse of drugs.
Odili explained that drug abuse is not a spiritual attack that could be cured through fasting and prayers rather, a chronic brain disorder that requires professional treatment.
The Commander of Narcotics, who spoke in an exclusive interview with newsmen during the week, stressed that abusers suffer from the problem of addiction and dependence hence punitive measures should be avoided.
“Yes, international best practices and a body of research have shown that you don’t use punitive measures to treat somebody who abuses drugs because research has shown that drug abuse is a chronic brain disorder.
“Even if you tie the person down from today till tomorrow the body is already asking for the drugs, the body is already relying on the drugs, it is a problem of addiction and dependence, It is not flogged away, it is not starved away, if somebody has the drug abuse problem it’s better to take the person to the hospital and it is not a spiritual attack even if you fast for 10 days it will not do anything.”
Odili, however, explained that, prayers can come after professional treatment, love, support, and care have been administered.
“There is nothing wrong with praying, there is nothing wrong with sharing the words of God it’s also part of the treatment people being used, we can also use the words of God to sensitize them, to give them encouragement and support but the truth is that they must also have the professional treatment.
“It is not a moral issue, it is not something you beat out of somebody it is a disease, you provide treatment, you provide support, and you provide care,” she added.
Rivers State Government has on Thursday cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, made the remark in a special announcement, signed and issued by Prof Ibibia Worika, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Port Harcourt.
He said that the cancellation was in adherence to the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024.
Ibas stated that the cancellation affected all procurement and tender processes carried out by MDAs during the period in question.
According to him, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices are, by this announcement, mandated to refund such tender fees to contractors immediately.
He said that they should await the approval of a spending plan by the state government which would be notified them in due course.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has declared that he will be released on bail before the end of April after spending nearly four years in custody.
Nnamdi Kanu shared this optimism during a visit from Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja.
The meeting took place at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where Kanu is being held.
Following the visit, Ezenekwe released a statement revealing that Kanu voiced frustration over the lack of strong advocacy from Igbo leaders regarding his detention.
He urged renewed efforts to champion the region’s interests.
Despite his ongoing legal battle, Ezenekwe noted that Kanu appeared in good spirits, had gained weight, and remained resilient.
According to him, Kanu reiterated his call for a referendum, emphasizing that his only “offense” was encouraging his people to wake up and take control of their destiny.
He also assured that he was following his prescribed medical treatments and remained hopeful about his legal proceedings.
“Today at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honor of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ezenekwe said in the statement made available to DAILY POST
“During our discussion, he appeared healthier and more relaxed and reaffirmed his resilience despite his current circumstances.
“He called for a referendum, describing it as a pivotal step towards self-determination, and reiterated his firm belief that he has committed no offense other than urging our people to awake from their slumber.
“He communicated a strong message of self-assurance, noting that he is taking his prescribed medications and remains in good spirits.
“More significantly, he expressed disappointment at the apparent leadership vacuum within the Igbo community—a neglect that has allowed our people’s voice to fade at a critical moment.
“Kanu expressed unwavering confidence in his legal team and his hope for release by the end of April 2025. This resonated as a powerful testament to his dedication and fortitude.”
Ezenekwe described the meeting as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and recognition of Igbo interests in Nigeria.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to take action and facilitate Kanu’s release, arguing that doing so would reinforce the president’s commitment to justice.
“In light of today’s (Wednesday’s) encounter, I issue an earnest appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on him to draw upon the spirit of democracy and commitment to justice that defined his own struggles and to take decisive action in securing the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Let this moment serve as a turning point—a renewal of our collective determination to safeguard the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people,” he stated.
Recall that Nnamdi Kanu recently apologized to the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, following his outburst during his last court appearance on terrorism charges.
The month of March was a busy one at the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency with numerous Programmes and Trainings approved and sponsored by Rep. O. K. Chinda.
The month of April is already showing signs of being busier as we have commenced a Free 3-day Medical Outreach.
Today, which is day 1, featured Health Talks and Sensitization, with some participants going home with 10kg of rice after being attended to.
The programme continues tomorrow and will include the following: –
• Vital signs checking.
• Seeing of Doctor/optometrist.
• Laboratory/ diagnosis
• Pharmacy.
The medical outreach is anchored by Dailystar Pharmacy Nigeria Limited
“I WIN, U WIN”
From
The Media Team
Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency Office
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