Gboyega Akinsanmi
20 November 2008
Lagos — The United Kingdom has called on the Federal Government to address major factors responsible for drug trafficking and endemic corruption in Nigeria.
British High Commissioner, Sir Bob Dewar, made this call during the re-launch of the National Anti-drugs Traffic-king Campaign held in Lagos yesterday.
The campaign was kicked off in 2006 by the British High Commission, Federal Government and FPWP Hibiscus, a non governmental organisation.
Present at the campaign re-launch were FPWP Hibiscus Executive Director, Mrs. Olga Heaven and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Director of Operations, Dr. Baba Hussein among others .They called for harsh judicial reward against drug traffickers and grassroot anti-drug trafficking campaign in Nigeria.
At the forum yesterday, the high commissioner stated that the Federal Government should take the issue of drug trafficking more seriously and effectively. He also tasked the civil society groups and non governmental organisations to the government agencies in the anti-drugs trafficking battle.
He identified the need to embark on intensive anti-drug trafficking campaign against and create more awareness at all levels in order to discourage prospective barons from venturing into hard drug business and deal.
According to him, anti-drugs trafficking campaign is a global issue, saying "When we discuss it, we must take it more seriously because of its adverse effect on our society."
Dewar stated further:"If anti-drugs trafficking war must be fought aground, We cannot underestimate the role of leadership in the campaign. Nigeria is the leading African state. She has crucial roles to play in the campaign against hard drugs.
"We have taken this campaign to China. It is not peculiar to one country. It is indeed a global issue. It is your issue. It is also mine. We must take very seriously because of the collateral damage hard drugs can cause humanity and economy."Federal Government of Nigeria needs to do appraisal and fight ahead. She must combat corruption. This is fundamental if a drug-free society must emerge. There should be no room for impunity. There should be no hidden place for drug barons and those backing them underneath. We must all rise against it."
Challenged over the short jail terms awarded against most convicted drug barons, Hussein reacted that NDLEA "does not have power to determine jail term those convicted for drug trafficking should be awarded," saying "We are only responsible for arrest, investigation and equally prosecution of drug suspects."
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