Pubdate: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
Source: Vanguard (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2006 Vanguard.
Contact:  http://www.vanguardngr.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2890
Author: Samuel Oyadongha

BAYELSA GOVT PLEDGES TO ASSIST NDLEA

Yenagoa--The Bayelsa State government says it will continue to assist 
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against 
drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

Governor Goodluck Jonathan made the remark at the closing ceremony of 
a weeklong sensitization and enlightenment campaigns and advocacy 
against drug abuse, trafficking and drug induced crimes in the state 
at the Yenagoa sports complex. Jonathan who was represented by his 
deputy, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi noted that although drugs are 
therapeutic agents that play an important role in the lives of human 
beings, they could make or mar life depending on how they are used.

He noted that though the punishment which drug trafficking attracts 
is draconian, it is expedient to note that drug abuse and drug 
trafficking are linked with heinous criminal activities and has a 
very close relationship with HIV/AIDS. Jonathan urged all Bayelsans, 
especially youth bodies in the state to take advantage of the 
campaign to embark on sustained enlightenment drive to educate the 
populace on how their peers will engage their energies in creative 
and development oriented programmes.

The governor commended the NDLEA for organizing the enlightenment and 
advocacy campaign in the state and used the opportunity to urge the 
Federal Government to strengthen the National Criminal Justice System 
significantly for it to be effective and gain public confidence.

He also called for the establishment of autonomous national agency 
for the prevention of drug abuse, which should be responsible for 
policy formulation and programme implementation on the reduction of 
drug abuse in the country. In his address, the state commander of the 
NDLEA, Mr. Michael Adie said the campaign is for all Bayelsans.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine