From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has destroyed fake and illicit drugs worth over N380 million.
This is just as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) rated Kano high in the fight against fake, expired and illicit drugs in the country.
The Kano state Commander of NDLEA, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul who spoke during the destruction exercise, said other neighbouring states are copying Ganduje’s strategy in the fight against trafficking, peddling and consumption of fake, expired and illict drugs.
Among items destroyed include expired and adulterated packaged food, as well as illicit drugs worth over N380 million, which took place at NDLEA office at Airport Road.
Dr Abdul noted that, “for a very long time, I came to know that it was only Kano state under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje that we have Special Adviser on the Fight Against Drugs Abuse. But I learned that Kaduna state governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i is copying from Gov. Ganduje in having Special Adviser on the Fight Against Drug Abuse also.”
He added that Ganduje’s style and strategy in fighting against drug abuse, is commendable and worth copying because of the fruitful results the state is witnessing.
According to him, “when Governor Ganduje assumed the mantle of leadership, Kano was the first in the list of states with drug abuse. But because of what the Governor has been doing to safeguard his state, Kano is now the 6th state in the list. This is highly commendable by all standard.”
In his remarks Ganduje said his administration attaches importance to the fight against drug abuse, pointing out that, “that was why I directed that all political appointees must go through drug test. All my Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Advisers, Heads of Agencies, among others, were tested. NDLEA is here to testify that.
“Because we are determined in this fight, that is why we said we must institutionalise the effort. A Bill is before the State Assembly on Drug Administration Agency. We want have strong institution for that. But then we are not usurping the responsibilities of other federal agencies saddled with this responsibility.
“We are only complementing their efforts. That is why, when established, the Agency would work hand in hand with the federal agencies to achieve drug-free society.”
Ganduje charged all the agencies responsible for the fight against drug abuse to create synergy and partnership while carrying out their responsibilities.
He added that, “working together as a team is necessary for success to be achieved. All security agencies should also work closely with other agencies to see that we achieve this in our state and the nation in general.”
Meanwhile, Ganduje has insisted that drug and patent medicine sellers in Sabon Gari market relocate to Dangwauro World Market where enough space and needed facilities are being put in place for their business.
He maintained that when the Dangwauro World Market is completed, “all drug marketers from Sabon Gari must relocate to the new market which satisfies the Federal Government policy on open market for drugs.
“Whoever has any complaint should come to my office and report. But to complain on trivial issues like the building is not fit for one’s business and other such issues, would not be tolerated.
“If you have any issue, come to my office and I will call on all the stakeholders and discuss it. This is a very strong warning I am putting forth!”
Ganduje, however, commended all the agencies responsible for the fight against drug abuse, including all the security agencies and state agencies like Hisbah, Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), amongst others.
