News
Senate probes NDLEA’s allegation against Senator Ashiru
The Senate on Tuesday constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate drug distribution allegations by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against Sen. Oyelola Ashiru.(APC-Kwara).
This followed the adoption of a point of order brought by Ashiru under Order 42 of Senate Standing Rules which entailed personal explanations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee has Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe as Chairman.
Other members of the committee are: Senators Ede Dafinone, Afolabi Shaibu, Shehu Kaka and Lawal Usman.
The committee, which has one week to present its report, is to invite NDLEA to speak to the allegation and justify its claims against Ashiru.
President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had, before announcing the composition of the committee, said Ashiru had actually approached him about the breach of his fundamental rights and privileges.
Akpabio, however, said whatever the NDLEA did was based on Ashiru’s submission, when he said that the integrity of NDLEA officials should be looked into.
He said it was surprising that NDLEA had never invited, arrested or charged Ashiru to court on any drug-related issue before now.
“If they felt you were a drug baron, they would have arrested you when you were 30, 50, 60, 65 years, not at the age of 68, when you made contributions on the floor of the senate on a bill to establish a drug rehabilitation centre.
“We in the senate see you as a gentleman to the core and we must take this issue seriously and call this agency to order because an injury to one is an injury to all.
“So it is my personal view that the senate invites NDLEA to come and justify the allegations, falling to do so, the senate will take very drastic action,” he said.
Earlier in his explanation, Ashiru said he had expressed his concern and contributions on the bill based on information from his constituency on the negative effects of drug consumption and trafficking.
He said one of his constituents had asserted that in the last two years, more than 50 persons had lost their sanity because of drugs.
The senator said there were visible drug barons who were making money from distribution of drugs.
He said that the increase in drug-related crime had resulted in his contribution, advising that the senate looked into the operation of NDLEA officials, especially on the allegations of corruption among them.
Ashiru said that he had also supported the establishment of an institute for awareness and rehabilitation of persons affected by drugs.
He said that he was presenting his personal observations in order to explain and clear himself of the insinuations that he was involved in drug distribution.
“I want to ascertain that in my life, I am 68 years old now, I cannot even identify cannabis or any drug.
“Beyond taking water, I don’t take alcohol; I don’t even take carbonated drinks, beyond taking water and other foods,” he said.
Ashiru said the basis for the debased publication against him could only be traced to his contributions at the plenary on a bill to establish a drug rehabilitation centre.
He said rather than NDLEA addressing the issues raised by the senate, it resorted to deceit.
The lawmaker further stated that the report was an attempt to infringe on the senate’s right to free debate on issues of national interest.
He said the resolve of the senate on the bill was that the menace of drug abuse should be frontally confronted, no matter the personality involved.
Ashiru described NDLEA’s allegations against him as unfounded and malicious.
He said it was an attempt to undermine his credibility as a senator and impede his ability to fully participate in parliamentary debates.
“For the protection of the senate, we must do something about it,” he said.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Police Officer interdicted for slapping handcuffed civilian several times
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro10 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro15 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro10 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News16 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
Metro16 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News17 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
News16 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News10 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped