10 October, 2021
By Collins Dupson
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen.Buba Marwa (Retd) has explained why the agency will not support the call for legalisation of Cannabis by the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Gen. Marwa spoke as guest speaker at the 2021 Ulefunta annual public lecture organised by the Deji of Akure kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.
The NDLEA boss was represented by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan, NDCMP, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, said the agency doesn’t have the luxury of allowing narcotic economy to take root and thrive in our society.
The NDLEA boss said the proliferation of illicit drugs often engenders a pattern of crime, chaos and conflict which has resulted into security challenges in the country.
Marwa said Governor Akeredolu may have good intentions for legalisation of Cannabis but stated that adequate preparation must be made if at all cannabis should be legalised in the future.
He noted that Ondo State is the epicenter of cannabis cultivation, saying the number of Nigerians using drugs is more than the population of countries like Poland, Greece and Republic of Benin.
“Of all the known illicit substances, Cannabis sativa is the only one that is native to Nigeria and it is the most abused of all illicit drugs, and from the findings of the National drug Survey of 2018, cannabis is becoming a national albatross.
He warned that people should stop treating cannabis like some sweet candies without any side effects, saying the agency will continue to go against cultivation of cannabis under any guise.
“As far as NDLEA is concerned, cannabis remains an illicit substance. The Agency shall always canvass against its cultivation, possession, trafficking and sales, and use. And offenders will face the wrath of the law. And, if I may add, our conviction rate is 90% successful.”
Meanwhile, the representative of the governor, Sir Charles Titiloye, Commissioner for Justice said the governor determination to ensure legalisation of cannabis is for economy and medicinal benefits to the state.
He said the governor is talking about controlled cultivation that will be regulated by government agency, noting that Ondo State Cannabis if legalised will boost the economy of the state.
