The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to extend the proposed mandatory drug test for corps members and prospective couples to political office holders and politicians seeking elective offices.
DAILY POST reports that the Chairman of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, had advocated for drug integrity tests for corps members, prospective couples, in order to discourage substance abuse.
Marwa made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Marwa, while describing the initiative as a preventive— not punitive— measure, emphasised the urgent need to curb drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
Reacting to this, NANS in a statement signed by the Vice President Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, on Thursday, commended the initiative, adding that it must not be targeted solely at young people.
Akinbodunse urged the NDLEA to extend the same drug integrity test to individuals seeking political or elective offices, as well as those currently occupying positions of authority at both national and state levels.
Her words, “We commend the NDLEA for its commitment to combating drug abuse through early detection and preventive strategies.
“However, if we must truly promote a drug-free society, the spotlight must also shine on those in positions of power and influence.
“It is no longer news that over the years, there have been allegations linking some political office holders to drug use and related misconduct.
“If young Nigerians are being asked to undergo mandatory drug tests before entering service or marriage, then those who seek to lead the country and make laws for the people must be held to even higher standards.
“This will not only reflect fairness but also demonstrate leadership by example. We urge the NDLEA to work with the National Assembly to ensure that such a law is passed without delay. A clean and drug-free leadership class will inspire confidence and truly show that no one is above accountability.”
While restating its support for any legitimate initiatives to combat substance misuse, the student body insisted that the policy must apply to all sectors and social classes.
Extend drug test to political office holders, aspirants – NANS tells NDLEA
