Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for the Senate to summon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant agencies to provide evidence supporting their drug-related allegations against Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru.
The controversy erupted after the NDLEA accused Ashiru of corruption in a public debate about a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. The NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, claimed that a raid on Ashiru’s residence in Kwara uncovered drug activity, leading to the arrest of two aides while one escaped.
“The senator’s personal house in GRA Ilorin was raided, and drugs were recovered. Two aides were arrested based on credible intelligence confirming the property was used as a drug joint,” the NDLEA stated.
At Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio dismissed the NDLEA’s allegations as a personal vendetta. He urged the formation of a six-member ad hoc committee to investigate, led by Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) and comprising members from various parties.
Akpabio argued that the NDLEA’s actions seemed retaliatory, stating, “If the NDLEA believed you were a drug baron, they should have acted long before you spoke on the Senate floor.” He emphasized that Ashiru had never been charged or arrested by the NDLEA and was known in the Senate as a responsible individual.
Akpabio further criticized public discussions of Senate proceedings, noting that “statements made here are privileged and covered by immunity.” He asserted the need for the NDLEA to justify their allegations or face “drastic action” from the Senate.
In a speech, Ashiru described the NDLEA’s allegations as “mischievous and misleading,” expressing his concerns about drug trafficking based on feedback from his constituency. He stated, “I am 68 years old and cannot identify drugs. The NDLEA’s claims are a reaction to my comments in the Senate.”
He urged the Senate to protect its members from unfounded allegations, maintaining that the NDLEA’s actions were an attempt to stifle parliamentary debate and undermine his credibility. Ashiru’s initial criticism of the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency” during the bill debate remains a focal point of this ongoing controversy.
