We’re saving future of Nigerians, not foolish, Ogun NDLEA Commander replies Sowore

The Ogun State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Tijjani Rabe says the destruction of cannabis farms by the agency is not foolishness but to save Nigerians whose futures are being destroyed by drug abuse.

The commander was responding to the viral comments on the destruction of some cannabis farms this week by activist Omoyele Sowere.

Sowere had in a post on his Facebook page called the NDLEA personnel as ‘foolish people” and “idiotic” over the destruction of cannabis farms.

He said, “It is idiotic NDLEA to wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty.

“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy.

“Legalize and properly regulate cannabis. Invest in research, harness its legitimate medicinal and industrial potential, create jobs, generate revenue, and build an industry Nigerians can benefit from.

“You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!”

However, in his response, the NDLEA Commander said Sowere, as someone aspiring to lead the country, has not shown the comportment required for leadership, adding that the remarks tantamount to emboldening drug cartels to keep destroying the future of young Nigerians.

Rabe said, “With all due respect, Sir. Leadership is not built on insults to institutions that sacrifice daily for this country.

“NDLEA did not wake up and decide to set farms ablaze for sport. We act on a clear mandate given to us by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“While you describe us as “foolish,” Nigerians are witnesses to our record. In the last 5 years, this institution has made monumental seizures of illicit drugs — stopping tons from getting into our homes, schools, barracks, and motor parks.

“Beyond enforcement, we have counseled and rehabilitated thousands of young Nigerians whose futures were being destroyed by drug abuse. We have also dismantled transnational cartels that use drug proceeds to fund kidnapping, banditry, and arms.

“You cannot seek to be Commander-in-Chief and in the same breath denigrate the men and women who serve under that command.

“If you disagree with the law, the democratic path is to sponsor a bill to change it. Not to resort to abuse. NDLEA, and indeed all law enforcement agencies, deserve better — especially from those who aspire to lead.

“Yes, we are grappling with poverty. But we are also grappling with addiction, mental illness, and insecurity that illicit drugs worsen. We cannot solve one crisis by deepening another.

“Before advocating for the legalization of cannabis, we must first interrogate our environment, our institutions, and our realities. What works elsewhere will not automatically work here.

“Legalization without strong guardrails — proper tracking, prescription monitoring, laboratories, and rehabilitation centers — will only expand the black market. Even Canada, years after legalization, still contends with a thriving illicit market. With our current regulatory capacity, Nigeria’s situation will be far worse.

“Let us also be clear: many of these “economically viable farms” are controlled by armed networks linked to trafficking and violence. To legalize now is to hand legitimacy to those same networks. You do not defeat poverty by empowering cartels.

“What Nigeria needs now is stronger advocacy for medical research and Alternative Development for farmers — not a rush to legalization.

“If the goal is to build an industry, then let us start by funding the labs, the rehab centers, and the cooperatives that will make it safe and sustainable.

“Until that foundation exists, NDLEA will continue to do what the law demands of us: interdict, destroy, and save lives. That is not “idiotic”, Sir. That is duty.

“We will, however, excuse the tone. In this season, many will say anything for attention. On our part, we remain grateful for the support and encouragement of millions of Nigerians who believe in the work we do.”