By Mark Lenu
New Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) has sounded it loud and clear that he would clamp down on commercial drivers who are either consuming or transporting illicit drugs in Rivers State. The NDLEA boss stated this when he came to the state on a 2-day familiarisation visit.
Marwa who also met with Governor Nyesom Wike airport and seaport authorities, religious leaders and road transport workers urged all and sundry to join NDLEA in combating drug menace.
He said the fight against drug was necessary because criminals only commit crimes after they have consumed drugs, adding that crime can only be reduced when drug is reduced.
On his part, Governor Wike, on Tuesday, promised to build a drug rehabilitation centre in the state as part of efforts to revive users from drug addiction. He further assured the NDLEA of the state government’s support especially on logistics that would enable drug law enforcement very effective in the state.
Also, the Chief of Security, Port Harcourt International Airport, Onyi Vincent Chukwudi, expressed the readiness of his team to block the passage of drugs in and out of the airport. He said, “we have put more effective security measures in place to ensure that drugs do not pass through our airport.”
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, the state Islamic Leader and Vice President-General, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor urged the new NDLEA boss to see how he can equip and improve the welfare of the agency. According to Uhor, poor funding has made the agency ineffective in the fight against drugs.
Representing the state CAN Chairman, the Archbishop of Port Harcourt Methodist Church, Nigeria, Most Rev Sunday Agwu assured the agency of prayers from the Christian community, maintaining that the message on drug abuse will also be preached on their pulpits.