Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the Senate to summon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant agencies to provide evidence supporting the drug-related allegations against Deputy Senate Leader, Yisa Ashiru.
The controversy arose after the NDLEA responded to Ashiru’s comments made during a debate on a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, where he labeled the agency “the most corrupt and compromised.”
In a statement, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi accused Ashiru’s residence in Kwara State of being a drug hub, claiming two of his aides were arrested during a raid, with another escaping.
“The personal house of the senator in GRA Ilorin, Kwara State, had been raided, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered,” the NDLEA said.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio dismissed the NDLEA’s claims, characterizing them as retaliatory and motivated by a personal vendetta. He expressed concerns over the timing of the allegations, questioning why the agency had not acted earlier.
“If the NDLEA felt you were a drug baron, they should have arrested you before you turned 30, not after you made contributions on the Senate floor at the age of 68,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio emphasized the privileged nature of Senate debates, cautioning against public commentary on legislative discussions. “Nigerians seem unaware that whatever is said here is privileged, covered by immunity, and not subject to debate on television or radio.”
He further urged the Senate to establish a six-member ad hoc committee, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, to investigate the allegations and summon the NDLEA for clarification.
Akpabio warned that if the agency failed to provide proof, the Senate would take “drastic action,” adding, “Injury to one is injury to all.”
Ashiru, in a motion of urgent national importance, denounced the NDLEA’s allegations as “mischievous and misleading,” attributing them to his criticisms of the agency’s operations.
He reiterated his support for the proposed rehabilitation institute, citing concerns from his constituency about the devastating impact of drug abuse. Ashiru stated, “I am 68 years old and cannot even identify cannabis or any drug,” further asserting that the accusations were an attempt to silence him and undermine his credibility.
Ashiru called on the Senate to protect him and other members from such unfounded allegations.
