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HURIWA Commends NDLEA’s Relentless Anti-Drug Campaign, Lauds Tinubu’s Support
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its relentless war against drug trafficking and narcotics abuse, describing its efforts under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) as transformative and decisive. The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fully supporting the NDLEA, enabling the agency to achieve remarkable progress in countering the drug menace.
HURIWA noted that the NDLEA, with the strong backing of the federal government, has recorded monumental successes in combating drug cartels, dismantling trafficking networks, and seizing substantial quantities of illicit drugs in recent years. The association pointed to recent operations, including the interception of nearly two tonnes of cannabis, known as “Ghanaian Loud,” at Eleko Beach in Lagos, and the arrest of six foreign nationals involved in the smuggling operation, as examples of the agency’s diligence and efficiency.
“These successes speak to the NDLEA’s unyielding commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from the scourge of hard drugs. Under the charismatic leadership of Brigadier General Buba Marwa, the agency has transformed into a formidable force against narcotics. Marwa’s leadership has not only disrupted drug cartels but has also restored public confidence in the NDLEA’s ability to tackle the drug menace head-on,” HURIWA stated.
The association also highlighted the NDLEA’s strategic focus on capacity building and training for its personnel. It praised the recent collaboration between the agency and the German government, which resulted in a two-week intensive training program for NDLEA officers. This training covered critical areas such as crime scene investigation principles and the use of the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS).
“Training and capacity building are essential in staying ahead of drug traffickers who constantly evolve their methods. The NDLEA’s investment in its workforce ensures that its officers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to counter even the most sophisticated drug networks. The agency’s collaboration with international partners like the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) exemplifies the proactive approach needed to win this war,” HURIWA emphasized.
HURIWA praised President Tinubu for providing full support to the NDLEA and its leadership. It acknowledged that the president’s backing of the agency demonstrates a clear commitment to a drug-free Nigeria. “President Tinubu’s support for the NDLEA has empowered the agency to excel in its mandate. This administration’s unwavering support is a testament to its determination to address the drug crisis in Nigeria,” the association noted.
Looking ahead to 2025, HURIWA cautioned that drug barons and traffickers would likely adopt new, unconventional methods to counter the NDLEA’s formidable strategies. It expressed confidence, however, in the agency’s ability to adapt and respond to these challenges.
“The year 2025 will be a decisive year in the war against narcotics. Drug cartels are likely to evolve their methods and become more daring in their operations. However, with the charismatic and results-driven leadership of General Marwa, the NDLEA is well-positioned to beat them at their own game. The agency’s track record gives Nigerians hope that no matter how sophisticated the traffickers’ strategies become, the NDLEA will remain one step ahead,” HURIWA asserted.
The association also appealed to the federal government to grant full financial autonomy to the NDLEA. It argued that adequate and consistent funding is critical to sustaining the agency’s operations and ensuring its continued success in the fight against drugs. HURIWA particularly emphasized the need to prevent the infiltration of drug money into Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
“Drug money has the potential to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. To safeguard the 2027 elections from the corrupting influence of narcotics cash, the NDLEA must be empowered with financial autonomy to strengthen its operations. A well-funded NDLEA is essential for ensuring that drug barons do not wield undue influence in our political system,” HURIWA warned.
The association called on all Nigerians to support the NDLEA and its efforts to protect the nation from the harmful effects of drug abuse and trafficking. It also urged state governments, civil society organizations, and international partners to collaborate with the agency in promoting drug prevention and awareness programs at all levels.
HURIWA concluded by reiterating its commendation of the NDLEA and its leadership. “The NDLEA has shown us what is possible with the right leadership, dedication, and support. We salute General Marwa and his team for their outstanding work and urge the federal government to continue backing them in this critical fight. Together, we can build a Nigeria free from the devastating grip of narcotics,” the association stated.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted a delayed start to the rainfall in the northern and central states of the country for the 2025 rainy season.
NiMet indicated that although there will be an early onset of rainfall in the southern states, specifically Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and certain areas of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi, the northern and central areas, including Plateau and parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara is expected to experience a delayed rainy season.
During the annual seasonal climate prediction briefing, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized that pre-onset rainfall activities should not be mistaken for the actual beginning of the rainy season, as has been the case in previous years.
The NiMet forecast revealed that an earlier-than-average end to the rainy season is expected in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti, and Ondo states.
Conversely, a delayed end to the season is anticipated in parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu states.
Overall, the length of the rainy season in 2025 is expected to be largely normal across the country
However, Borno and parts of Yobe may experience a shorter duration, while Lagos and Nasarawa are likely to see a longer-than-usual rainy season.
The NiMet prediction also showed that “during the April-May-June (AMJ) season, there is a likelihood of a severe dry spell of above 15 days after the establishment of rainfall in Oyo state; Moderate dry spell that may last up to 15 days is likely to occur in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states in the south. However, for the northern states, a severe dry spell that may last up to 21 days is predicted for the June-July-August (JJA) season of 2025.
) By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian Senate has appointed chairmen and deputy chairmen of standing committees to oversight the regional development commissions.
This appointment is coming on the heels of the assent of President Bola Tinubu to bills that are establishing some regional development commissions in the country,
In announcing the appointments, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio listed the names as follows:
1. Sen. Babangida Hussaini and Muntari Dandutse as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate committee on North West Development Commission;
2. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze are the Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively for the Senate committee on
South East Development Commission;
3. Sen. Titus Zam Tartenger and Sen. Isa Jibrin are the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on North Central Development Commission;
Also, the Senate reshuffled the leadership of some standing committees.
With that reshuffling, Sen. Abdul Ningi has moved from Population to head the Senate committee on FERMA.
Also, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was moved from the committee on local content to Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisation where she will be the chairman.
Sen. Garba Maidoki was appointed as Chairman Senate Committee on Sports development, while Senator Joel Thomas becomes the new Chairman Senate committee on Local Content.
Also, Senator Victor Umeh, moved from the Senate committee on Diaspora, will now be the Chairman Senate committee on National Population and NIMC.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex- Communication Minister Adebayo Shittu has decried the high poverty rate in the country, saying many Nigerians have become beggars.
Shittu, while appearing on an AIT programme, Focus Nigeria, cited examples of how Nigeria’s economic condition has turned citizens into beggars.
The ex-minister, who lives in Ibadan, said a Nigerian called him from Bauchi to beg for N1,000 to feed, adding that another woman called him 30 times to beg for N3,000.
He said, “Yesterday, before I left Ibadan, somebody phoned me from Bauchi and begged me for N1,000.
He said he had not eaten for two days. Again, about a week ago, somebody also called me, a woman who wanted N3,000. At the time she wanted that morning, unbelievably, I myself didn’t have that money, and the woman called me 30 times in one day.”
He maintained that poverty had been weaponized in the country to the extent that when politicians go to the people for votes, they tend to be more interested in what the politicians can give them rather than what they are capable of doing.
Shittu said, “It’s not my business to douse the poverty of such people calling. So when you go to such people to ask for their votes or support, they don’t care what you’re capable of doing. What they are interested in is what they can get out of you today.”
However, contrary to Nigerians’ beliefs about political appointees, the ex-minister, who served under the Muhammadu Buhari administration from 2015 to 2019, said he currently doesn’t have money because he didn’t steal while in office.
Shittu said he survives on the monthly resources his 10 graduate children give him for upkeep.
SEE list of States that will experience delayed rainfall in 2025
Senate: Chairmen, deputies appointed to oversight regional Development Commissions(List
Someone called me 30 times to beg for N3k — Ex-minister decries alarming poverty rate
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