No Drug User Should Hold Public Office, Says Emir Sanusi
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO —The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Wednesday called for mandatory screening of political office seekers for drug abuse, insisting that individuals who use illicit substances should not be entrusted with public responsibilities.
Emir Sanusi made the call while receiving a committee of the House of Representatives led by the member representing Sumaila and Warawa Federal Constituency, Barrister Rabi’u Yusuf.
The committee was constituted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to seek solutions to the growing challenge of drug abuse, particularly among young people and women.
Sanusi II said that meaningful progress in the fight against substance abuse can only be achieved by preventing illicit drugs from entering the country and ensuring strict enforcement of laws against drug-related offences.
“If we are serious about reducing drug abuse in our society, we must stop the inflow of these substances into the country. At the same time, anyone seeking public office should be thoroughly screened to ensure they are not involved in drug abuse,” he said.
The monarch argued that leaders must serve as role models, noting that individuals battling drug addiction should not be allowed to occupy positions of authority or influence.
He revealed that Kano Emirate has already adopted a similar policy for traditional leadership appointments, addingthat prospective ward heads and district heads are subjected to scrutiny to confirm they are not involved in drug abuse before they are appointed.
“We have already made it a condition in the Kano Emirate that anyone to be appointed as a ward head or district head must first be certified free from drug abuse. This is part of our effort to promote responsible leadership and protect our communities,” he said.
The Emir expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among youths, women and even married women, urging governments at all levels to intensify efforts aimed at tackling the menace before it further erodes the social fabric of society.
In a speech earlier, the Chairman of the special committee, Barrister Rabi’u Yusuf said the committee was in Kano to engage critical stakeholders and gather recommendations that would help shape a more effective national response to the drug abuse crisis.
He assured that the committee would relay the Emir’s recommendations to the House of Representatives for consideration.