By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Senator Sumaila Kawu’s bold accusation against his fellow senators and other public office holders has sparked a heated debate in the Nigerian Senate.
He made the accusation during a debate on the a Bill to establish an institute for awareness creation and rehabilitation of the affected, sponsored by Sen Rufa’i Sani Sani Hanga, Kano Central.
He allegedly claimed that many of his colleagues are involved in drug abuse and even have connections with drug dealers. This revelation came during a discussion on a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. Kawu stressed that Nigeria cannot effectively address drug abuse unless lawmakers lead by example and collaborate with stakeholders to stop the menace.
Kawu’s proposal to make drug tests mandatory for politicians before contesting elections or assuming office has been met with resistance. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin ruled his comment out of order, citing Order 56, which requires debate contributions to be relevant to the subject matter ¹.
The senator’s accusations have sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for his suspension and others praising his courage in speaking out against drug abuse ¹. Some have even pointed out the hypocrisy of lawmakers who pass laws criminalizing drug use while potentially being involved in it themselves ¹.
While maintaining his accusations that his fellow senators involve themselves in drug abuse and have connections with drug dealers, he proposed drug tests for politicians before contesting elections or assuming office.
