Northern Governors Should Support Death Penalty For Drug Lords – Bala Muhammad

Governors of Nigerian Northern states have been advised to enact and support the death penalty for drug lords who supply narcotics to their states.

Dr. Bala Muhammad, a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University Kano gave the advice during a seminar to sensitize youths on the dangers of drug abuse and thuggery which was organized by a Community Based Organization, Nagarta Youth Development in Kano.

Dr. Muhammad said the addicts and petty sellers that are being arrested will not make a significant impact in the fight against drug abuse, but that officials must go after the dealers and drug lords.

“We are talking about the big ones, the big ones that come from other states. These ones that are being caught are just agents, they are not the ones sourcing for the drugs”, he said.

He confirmed that as long they are allowed to roam free, the drug abuse will remain a problem unsolved in the Northern states.

Around the world, countries like China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore are known to execute drug peddlers.

On his part, the Chairman, Nagarta Youth Development, Aminu Idris called on security officials to protect district and village heads so that they could feel secure enough to actively participate in the quest to end drug abuse in their domains.

He said the drug lords are powerful and have thugs at their disposal, thus traditional rulers might not have the confidence to point them out without security assurance from the Nigerian Police or other security personnel.

He urged stakeholders to do the needful in ensuring a drug free future for the youths.

Drug abuse has been a major problem bedevilling youths in the country, including Northern Nigeria where women, youth and even teenagers resorted to consumption of intoxicants for succor or fun.

The problem, however is getting the needed attention, as significant change is being recorded following massive media campaigns and sensitizations like this one.