The Senate has set up an adhoc panel to probe alleged corrupt practices in the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as raised by Senator Oyelola Ashiru(APC, Kwara).
The committee is also to investigate the allegations of drug peddling against Ashiru and ensure that NDLEA provide sufficient proof failure of which will attract drastic action from the Senate.
The resolution came barely a day after the NDLEA disclosed that Ashiru’s house was used to warehouse illicit drug.
The NDLEA had also claimed that Ashiru’s recent attack was borne out of vendetta rather national interest adding that some of the aides of the lawmaker were arrested in the raid on his residence and are currently being prosecuted with one of them already sentenced to jail.
Adopting a motion raised by Ashiru in the hallowed chamber, the Senate set up a six-member committee led by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), the Senate charged the leadership of the NDLEA to urgently appear to explain the allegations of corrupt practices against it.
But ahead of the Committee’s investigation, the Senate condemned the NDLEA for allegedly breaching Ashiru’s rights and privileges of Ashiru.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said: “I believe the NDLEA’s actions are in response to his comments during the debate on the rehabilitation center for drug users. If the NDLEA truly thought he was a drug baron, they should have acted long ago, not now, after his Senate contributions.”
On the alleged breach of Ashiru’s privileges by NDLEA, Akpabio stated: “Nigerians may not be aware, but everything said in the Senate is privileged and immune from external debate, whether on radio or TV.”
He claimed that “Senator Ashiru has never been charged or invited by the NDLEA. We see him as a gentleman who does not consume alcohol, let alone drugs.”
Calling on other lawmakers to rally round Ashiru against the NDLEA, Akpabio said: “Colleagues, this is a serious matter. We must call the NDLEA to order. Injury to one is injury to all. I propose we set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the NDLEA’s allegations against Senator Ashiru. If they fail to provide justification, the Senate will take drastic action”
Ashiru had earlier explained that he never engaged in drug peddling saying:
“I wish to clear myself of allegations, claiming that I, Senator Ashiru, am involved in drug distribution. I categorically deny these accusations. At 68 years old, I have never consumed drugs, alcohol, or even carbonated drinks. I am simply a man who drinks water and eats normal food.”
According to him, “these baseless claims seem to have arisen from my contributions in the Senate on October 15, 2024. This publication is an attempt to subvert free debate in the Senate and malign my credibility. The NDLEA’s allegations are unfounded and aim to impede my ability to participate in debates”