Northern govs to FG: Declare state of emergency on drug abuse

From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

Worried by the increased rate of drug abuse in the north and other parts of the country, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse in order to curtail the menace.
The Chairman of the Forum, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s meeting held in Kaduna yesterday.
According to him, the state of emergency becomes necessary in order to renew effort to deal with the scourge. He called on the FG to provide all necessary funds to relevant agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA in their unrelenting fight against drug abuse.
“The meeting also called on State Governments to set up High Powered Enforcement Committees under the chairmanship of either the Deputy Governor o Secretary to the State Government, to ensure that all the relevant laws and statutory provisions in respect of drug abuse are fully and effectively implemented at all times.
“It further enjoined State Ministries of Women and Youth to intensify sensitization and enlightenment programmes on the dangers of drug abuse.
“It also resolved to come up with appropriate legislation by the various Houses of Assembly in the Northern States.
“The Forum was particularly disturbed that the phenomenon of drug abuse seems to be escalating with its attendant physical and psychological consequences, notwithstanding the various measures initiated by governments at various levels to stem the tide,” he said.
Speaking on the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, Governor Shettima said the Forum will render full and unequivocal support to the FG in its unwavering commitment and dogged determination to address the multifarious security challenges in all parts of the nation.
“The Forum particularly extends its support to the Federal Government for the measures so far put in place to resolve the lingering clashes between farmers and herdsmen; “Implementable and viable strategic measures should be initiated by governments at all levels, to forestall future occurrence of any form of communal crisis;
“Articulate a comprehensive plan for intervention to those states affected by the lingering crisis; and “Strongly admonish political, religious and ethnic jingoist to avoid imputing religious, ethnic and political coloration to such conflict,” he stressed.
Governor Shettima also briefed the media that the Forum was presented with an Interim Report of the NSGF Committee on Restructuring of the country which was mandated to collate views and opinions of individuals, groups and organizations in the North and come up with a northern position on the national clamour for restructuring.
The Forum noted the presentation of the report and commended the Committee for its relentless efforts towards ensuring comprehensive conduct of the exercise.
It assured the Committee of its full support towards executing its mandate successfully.