Gaya Emirate Council Adopts Zero Tolerance Policy On Drug Abuse, Vows To Support Task Force
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, says the Gaya Emirate Council has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards drug abuse and trafficking, directing all ward, village and district heads in the Emirate to apprehend and hand over suspected drug offenders to the relevant authorities for prosecution, irrespective of their social status or position.
A statement by Lamara Garba,
Member, Media and Publicity Sub Committee, MATFDAT, said the Emir disclosed this when he received members of the Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Trafficking at his palace on Wednesday.
He said the directive was part of the Emirate’s commitment to supporting the fight against the growing menace of substance abuse in society.
“We have already directed all our ward, village and district heads to apprehend and hand over any suspect to the authorities for prosecution, no matter how highly placed he may be,” he said.
The Emir said the Emirate Council had also introduced drug screening for individuals being considered for appointments within the Emirate, describing the measure as a strategy that should be adopted at all levels of government.
He described substance abuse as a serious source of concern requiring urgent and concerted action from all stakeholders.
He commended the foresight of the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for establishing the Task Force, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking must be a collective responsibility in which all hands must be on deck.
He further called on government to complement drug screening with firm and decisive action in the prosecution of persons found culpable of drug abuse or trafficking.
The Emir assured the delegation that the Emirate Council would support the activities of the Task Force to enable it succeed in its assignment, expressing confidence that, given the calibre of its members, the Task Force would make significant progress in the fight against the menace.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to guide and protect the members of the Task Force and grant them wisdom and strength in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., who was represented by Dr Aminu Magashi, said the delegation was at the palace to solicit the royal blessing and support of the Emir for the activities of the Task Force.
Rimingado disclosed that the Task Force would soon organise a sensitisation meeting as part of efforts to create greater public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was deeply committed to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, adding that the Task Force had recorded some successes within the short period since its establishment.
He expressed the hope that, with the support of traditional institutions and other stakeholders, the campaign would gain greater momentum and achieve its objectives.