GOV. OTTI ADVOCATES STRINGENT LAWS FOR DRUG DEALERS, OFFENDERS

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged the National Assembly to enact tougher legislations against drug dealers and offenders as part of efforts to curb the rising menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.

The governor made the call when he received the new Abia State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Joseph Owoputi, during a familiarisation visit to his office.

Otti stressed the need for a comprehensive crackdown on drug cartels, arguing that the majority of crimes in the country are tied to drug abuse. According to him, stiffer punishments would serve as a deterrent and discourage young people from engaging in drug-related activities.

“We just need to crack the drug cartel. If you crack the drug cartel, the crime disappears. Unfortunately, the law is a bit lenient on drug use. Counselling and rehabilitation alone are not enough punishment. We need stronger laws, and maybe we should lobby the National Assembly to make the legislation tougher,” Otti said.

The governor expressed concern over the negative impact of drug abuse on youths, noting that many are unable to remain in school due to addiction. He assured the NDLEA of his administration’s full support in combating drug trafficking and abuse, approving two new Hilux vans for the agency and directing that its abandoned vehicles be repaired by the government.

Earlier in his remarks, Commandant Owoputi commended Otti for his consistent support to the NDLEA, which he said has strengthened the agency’s fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trade in the state.

He disclosed that between June and August, the command arrested 65 suspects and seized 82 kilograms of illicit substances. Within the same period, seven convictions were secured, 12 cases are ongoing in court, and 38 individuals are undergoing counselling and rehabilitation at the agency’s facility.

Owoputi pledged to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and solicited further assistance from the state government, particularly in the provision of more operational vehicles.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander McDonald Ubah (Rtd), the GM/CEO of the Abia State Homeland Security Board, Col. Chidi Kalu Ukoha (Rtd), and other aides.