The Senate has established a six-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations against Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South), who has been accused by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of using his residence in Ilorin as a drug storage facility.
The committee is expected to summon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to explain the recent allegations.
It would be recalled that the NDLEA had days ago alleged that Senator Ashiru’s house in Ilorin, Kwara State, was raided, and illicit drugs were found.
The accusation followed contributions by Senator Ashiru on the floor of the Senate on the 15th of October, during a debate on the Bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, where the 68-year-old senator described the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”
Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio announced the committee’s formation in response to a motion raised by Senator Ashiru, who firmly stated, “I do not use hard drugs nor confuse cannabis with other narcotics.”
The committee, led by former Senate Minority Leader Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia South), also includes Senators Efe Dafinone (APC Delta Central), Ireti Kingibe (LP FCT), Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (APC Ogun Central), Lawal Usman (PDP Kaduna Central), and Shehu Kaka (APC Borno Central). They have been tasked with submitting a report within one week.
The NDLEA’s claims emerged after a raid on Ashiru’s home in Ilorin, which allegedly uncovered illicit drugs. This incident followed Ashiru’s critical comments during a Senate debate on October 15 concerning a bill to create the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, where he described the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”
During a session, Senator Ashiru, speaking under Order 42 of the Senate Rules, denounced the NDLEA’s allegations as “an act of persecution.” He further asserted, “At 68 years old, I do not even recognise cannabis or any narcotic. Beyond drinking water, I abstain from alcohol and any drugs, including carbonated beverages.”
He noted that the agency singled him out for personal attacks and impugned his privilege as a senator to freely contribute to debates on the floor of the Senate.
He further stated that the agency has resorted to subterfuge and gas-lighting, viewing it as an attempt to cow the Senate of its rights to freely debate issues of National interest and hear opinions on the floor.
Senator Ashiru, expressed concern that the NDLEA was targeting him to undermine his legislative privilege, stating that the agency’s actions represented an attempt to intimidate the Senate and to restrict discussions on vital national issues.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Fires Back: “Your Home Has Been a Hub for Drug Dealers, Kwara Senator”
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio noted the timing of the NDLEA’s allegations and clarified, “I will not jump to any conclusion.” He acknowledged that Senator Ashiru has not been formally charged or invited by the NDLEA for questioning, emphasizing the need for the Senate to treat the matter seriously. He remarked, “Injury to one is an injury to all.”
Following the formation of the ad-hoc committee, the Senate resolved to take appropriate actions based on the committee’s recommendations within one week. The committee is expected to summon representatives from the NDLEA and other relevant individuals to substantiate the claims made against Senator Ashiru.
While acknowledging that Senator Ashiru had not been formally charged or invited by the NDLEA for questioning, Akpabio highlighted the need for the Senate to treat the matter seriously, stating, “Injury to one is an injury to all.” He then introduced the members of the hoc committee and directed them to summon NDLEA representatives and relevant individuals to substantiate their claims.
