Senate summons NDLEA Chairman to address allegations against Senator Ashiru

The Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, established an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against Senator  Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, Deputy Majority Leader.

> The upper chamber also summoned the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to provide testimony regarding the allegations made against Ashiru from Kwara South.
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> This move comes in response to accusations that Ashiru made derogatory remarks about the agency due to its actions concerning individuals allegedly involved in drug-related offenses at his residence.
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> The Senate has established a six-member panel to investigate the claims raised by the NDLEA. The agency contends that Senator Ashiru’s comments were made in retaliation for its failure to prevent the arrest and prosecution of certain individuals linked to drug abuse at his home.

> The panel is chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia South and includes Senators Kaka Shehu, Ede Dafinone, Ireti Kingibe, Afolabi Shauibu, and Lawal Usman.
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> This escalation follows a heated exchange during a Wednesday Senate session, where Ashiru addressed the issue under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Order.
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> He expressed concern about the damage to his reputation, stating, “The reaction to my comment last week during a debate on a bill by the NDLEA has affected my integrity, as I neither take alcohol nor carbonated drinks except water.”

> He emphasized the seriousness of the matter and the potential impact on his standing.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for thorough investigation. “Dear colleagues, we must take this seriously. Injury to one is injury to all. We’ll set up an ad hoc committee to examine this holistically.”

> The Senate’s decision to summon the NDLEA chairman came after a closed-door session that lasted nearly two hours, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation.

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