The Traffic

"Senate Drama: Akpabio Defends Deputy Senate Leader, Dares NDLEA Over Drug Allegations"

In a heated Senate session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio fiercely defended Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru against drug-related allegations made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The accusations, which have sparked national controversy, claim that Ashiru’s residence in Kwara was used as a drug den.

The drama unfolded when the NDLEA, through its spokesperson Femi Babafemi, accused two of Ashiru’s aides of being arrested during a raid on his home, while another escaped. According to the NDLEA, illicit substances were found in the residence, allegedly making it a hub for drug activities. This followed Ashiru's earlier comments during a Senate debate where he called the NDLEA “the most corrupt and compromised agency” while advocating for the establishment of the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.

Akpabio wasted no time in dismissing the NDLEA’s claims, calling the accusations a personal vendetta aimed at tarnishing Ashiru’s reputation. “If the NDLEA felt you were a drug baron, they should have arrested you before you turned 30, not after you made a significant contribution on the Senate floor at 68,” Akpabio said, criticizing the timing of the agency’s accusations.

In response, Akpabio urged the Senate to invite the NDLEA and other relevant bodies to present evidence to substantiate their claims. He further warned that if the NDLEA failed to justify its actions, “the Senate will take drastic action.”

Ashiru, who described the allegations as "mischievous and misleading," denied any involvement with drugs, stating, “I am 68 years old and cannot even identify cannabis or any drug. I don’t take alcohol, drugs, or even carbonated drinks.” He accused the NDLEA of attempting to undermine his credibility and silence him after his criticism of the agency during the debate.

The Senate has since formed an ad-hoc committee, chaired by Enyinnaya Abaribe, to investigate the matter and present its findings. Meanwhile, Ashiru has called on the Senate to take steps to protect its members from unfounded allegations, warning that such claims threaten the integrity of parliamentary debate.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate and the NDLEA, with Nigerians eagerly awaiting the outcome of what could become a major political showdown.

Yakubu Haruna Yakubu