Ashiru does not use alcohol, let alone drugs – Politics – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Senate on Tuesday set up an ad hoc committee to investigate alleged corrupt practices in the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as raised by Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara).

The committee should also investigate the drug trafficking allegations against Ashiru and ensure that the NDLEA provides sufficient evidence. If this does not happen, the Senate will take drastic measures.

The resolution came just 24 hours after the NDLEA disclosed that Ashiru’s house was being used as a warehouse for illegal drugs.

The NDLEA also alleged that Ashiru’s recent attack was borne out of revenge and not national interest, adding that some of the lawmaker’s aides were arrested in the raid on his residence and are currently facing prosecution, with one of them already jailed convicted.

Adopting a motion moved by Ashiru in the hallowed chamber, the Senate set up a six-member committee headed by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South). The Senate has directed the leadership of the NDLEA to appear urgently to explain the allegations of corrupt practices against it.

But prior to the committee’s investigation, the Senate censured the NDLEA for allegedly violating Ashiru’s rights and privileges.

Chairman of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said: “I believe the actions of the NDLEA are in response to his comments during the debate on the Drug Users Rehabilitation Centre. If the NDLEA really thought he was a drug lord, they should have acted long ago, not now, after his contributions to the Senate.”

On the alleged violation of Ashiru’s privileges by the NDLEA, Akpabio stated: “Nigerians may not be aware of it, but whatever is said in the Senate is privileged and immune from external debate, whether on radio or TV.”

He noted that Senator Ashiru has never been charged or invited by the NDLEA, adding that the Senate sees him as a gentleman who does not drink alcohol, let alone drugs.

Akpabio called on other lawmakers to stand with Ashiru against the NDLEA and stressed that the agency must be brought to order, noting that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”

He added: “I propose that we set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the NDLEA allegations against Senator Ashiru. If they cannot provide justification, the Senate will take drastic action.”

In response to the allegations, Ashiru vehemently denied any involvement in selling drugs. He added that the claims appear to stem from his recent contributions to the Senate and are an attempt to undermine his credibility and participation in debates.

He said: “I wish to clear myself of allegations alleging that I, Senator Ashiru, am involved in drug distribution. I categorically deny these allegations. At 68 years old, I have never consumed drugs, alcohol or even carbonated drinks. I’m just a guy who drinks water and eats normal food.

“These unsubstantiated claims appear to have arisen from my contributions in the Senate on October 15, 2024. This publication is an attempt to undermine free debate in the Senate and damage my credibility. The NDLEA allegations are baseless and aim to hinder my ability to participate in debates.”