The Nigerian Senate has summoned General Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to address allegations against Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwara South.
The summons follows accusations made by the NDLEA, claiming that Senator Ashiru made derogatory remarks about the agency last week.
These comments reportedly stemmed from the senator’s frustration over the arrest and ongoing trial of individuals linked to drug abuse in his residence.
To investigate these allegations, the Senate has established a six-member panel chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Abia South.
The panel includes Senators Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), Ireti Kingibe (Labour Party, FCT), Afolabi Shauibu (APC, Ogun Central), and Lawal Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central).
The Senate’s resolution came after Senator Ashiru raised a point of order, referencing Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders.
He emphasised that the backlash from his comments during a recent debate on an NDLEA bill has impacted his integrity, stating, “I neither take alcohol nor carbonated drinks, except water,” and urged that the matter be treated with utmost seriousness.
This issue was addressed following a closed-door session of the Senate, which convened from 11:49 AM to 1:25 PM.
Further details on this unfolding situation will be provided as they become available.
