Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio Defends Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru Against NDLEA Drug Allegations
- Akpabio Urges Senate to Invite NDLEA to Substantiate Claims
- NDLEA Alleges Ashiru’s Residence Was Used as Drug Joint, Two Aides Arrested
- Senate Constitutes 6-Member Ad-Hoc Committee to Probe Allegations
- Ashiru Denies Allegations, Cites Impeccable Record
Senate President Defends Ashiru, Demands NDLEA Proofs
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru against drug-related allegations made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Akpabio has urged the Senate to invite the NDLEA to substantiate its claims, dismissing the allegations as motivated by personal vendetta.
Akpabio’s Statement
Akpabio criticized the timing of the NDLEA’s allegations, stating that if Ashiru were a drug baron, the agency should have arrested him before he turned 30. He emphasized that Ashiru has never been invited or charged by the NDLEA and is known for his impeccable record.
Senate Investigation
The Senate has constituted a six-member ad-hoc committee, chaired by Enyinnaya Abaribe, to investigate the allegations and submit its findings within one week. The committee members include Kaka Shehu, Ireti Kingibe, Afolabi Salisu, Ede Dafinone, and Lawal Usman.
Ashiru’s Response
Ashiru denied the allegations, stating that he doesn’t even take alcohol or carbonated drinks. He explained that his comments during a debate on a bill seeking to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation were misunderstood.
NDLEA’s Allegations
The NDLEA alleged that Ashiru’s residence in Kwara was raided, and drugs and illicit substances were recovered, with two of his aides arrested. However, Akpabio and Ashiru have dismissed these claims as unfounded and malicious.
