ABUJA — Kawu Sumaila, the senator representing Kano South (NNPP) has sparked controversy after accusing his fellow lawmakers of allowing the use of hard drugs in areas under their control, including their homes and offices.
The accusation was made during the plenary session on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, while the Senate was debating a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
Sumaila, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), did not hold back in his comments, alleging that some senior politicians in Nigeria not only tolerate drug abuse but actively support drug dealers in their illegal activities.
“As I am speaking now, most of our offices in our constituencies, most of our political offices, most of our houses — when you go there, you will find out that there is a mountain of drugs and there are drug dealers in our offices and in our houses,” Sumaila said.
He added that he could point to political leaders who are involved in supporting drug abusers in the country.
Call for Drug Tests for Politicians
Senator Sumaila went a step further, suggesting that some lawmakers may be using hard drugs themselves.
He challenged his colleagues to undergo drug testing before running for office or assuming political positions, a move he believes is necessary to tackle the growing drug epidemic in Nigeria.
“If we are talking, we need to understand, we are all one here. We need to fight it from our own side. Let us go to the test and see who and who are not [using drugs],” he said.
The senator also dared his fellow lawmakers to swear on the Qur’an or Bible that they have not supported drug abuse during their campaigns, noting the common practice of political leaders encouraging thugs and unemployed youth to engage in drug use for political purposes.
“Let us ask ourselves during our campaign, what are we doing with the so-called youth? How many of us can swear with the Qur’an or Bible that, in any way, they are not supporting drug abusers in their constituency?” he added.
Drug Abuse Epidemic in Nigeria
Nigeria continues to battle a widespread drug abuse crisis, with substances like cannabis, amphetamine, codeine, cocaine, and heroin being frequently misused, particularly by young people.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has worked to combat the issue, but drug use remains prevalent, leading to growing calls for stronger regulations and preventive measures.
Sumaila’s recommendation for mandatory drug tests for politicians aligns with previous suggestions from other public figures, including senior NDLEA officials.
However, the senator’s comments were ruled out of order by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.
Relevance to Debate Questioned
Jibrin, who represents Kano North, dismissed Sumaila’s remarks, stating that they were not relevant to the subject of the bill being discussed.
“Order 56. Debate upon any motion, bill or amendment shall be relevant to such motion,” he said.
“While we are speaking, while we are contributing, our contribution should be relevant to the subject matter. In this case, your contribution is not relevant to the subject matter. I therefore rule [you] out of order.”
Despite being ruled out of order, Sumaila’s comments have reignited discussions about the role of politicians in Nigeria’s drug crisis and the need for accountability at all levels of leadership.
Collaboration Needed to Combat Drug Abuse
Sumaila emphasized that real progress on drug abuse will only be achieved through collaboration between politicians, stakeholders, and the public.
He urged the Senate to work with relevant agencies, including NDLEA, to combat the epidemic and ensure that political leaders set a strong example in their communities.
“We cannot achieve the intent of this bill unless and until we all agree that we will put our heads together with relevant stakeholders to stop drug abuse in Nigeria,” he said.
