A’Ibom to collaborate with NDLEA in fight against drugs abuse, crime

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel says drug abuse remains a major cause of vices in the society, assuring National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) that his government is strongly  in support of campaigns towards reducing drugs abuse in the state.

Emmanuel said this on Monday during a courtesy visit on him by the Akwa Ibom State Commander of the agency, Mrs Obot Bassey at Government House, Uyo.

The governor, who acknowledged the efforts of the agency to reduce drug trafficking and other related crimes, further urged the agency not to relent in its responsibilities

Emmanuel lamented the negative effects caused by drug abuse especially in our educational system, advocating for synergy within relevant agencies and government to stem the tide of drug use among youths in the society.

“I know these days, criminality has crept into almost all strata of the society, secondary schools these days you see young children getting involved, even up to university some of us did not know those things you could only spell those things we never saw it in our eyes,” he said.

Emmanuel maintained that with collective campaigns in schools and other social places would be rid of criminal activities.

“We just discovered that there is no single criminal that you arrest, give him 24 hours he will become a normal human being and will start talking differently, but once he’s on the influence of the drugs he is completely a different humactivitie

“We have taken the message, the message is that our people should get involved in this campaign,  we can actually help minimize this in the society,” he said.

The governor congratulated  Bassey on her recent appointment as the State Commander, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and assured of supporting the agency succeed in her operations in the state.

In her remarks, Mrs Bassey, thanked Governor  Emmanuel for receiving her team during the visit, and the industrialization strides of the governor to reposition the state.

The commander noted that the agency has been relentless in the campaign against drug trafficking and other related crimes, leading to cutting off the supply of illicit drugs, reducing the demand of illicit drugs and other substances of abuse, tracing and recovering drug related proceeds and contributing to the creation and maintenance of a crime free society especially among youths.

Bassey, however, called for more collaborations with the state government and recommended the establishment of Drug-free Clubs to eradicate drugs amongst youths, as well establishment of a state committee on drugs control.

“The establishment of a State Committee on Drugs Control, a federal government policy will serve as an area of strategic collaboration between NDLEA and relevant stakeholders, Ministry of Health, Education, all security agencies among others.”

She also appealed to the state government to assist the agency in the provision of vehicles to cover its duties within the state and a perimeter fencing for its office.