NDLEA Counters Akeredolu On Legalisation Of Marijuana

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Monday strongly rebuffed arguments by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for the legalization of marijuana in the country saying that the governor gave a wrong narration of their joint visit to Thailand.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Colonel Muhammad Abdallah (retired) in a statement said that contrary to the governor’s claim that there was no time he gave support for the growth of marijuana for medical purpose during or after the visit.

He said, “For the avoidance of doubt, NDLEA under my leadership has been consistent in our opposition to legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. For example, Operation Thunderstorm undertaken by Ondo State Command of NDLEA destroyed 3,900.73 hectares of cannabis sativa planted in forest reserves.

“Similarly, I make bold to state that Nigeria’s staunch opposition to legalising cannabis for recreational purposes was restated at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, CND, roundtable just recently concluded in Vienna, March this year. Not only that, Nigeria canvassed the position that status quo ante be maintained while decisions are made by the United Nations to alter the Single Convention of 1961 under which cannabis falls. These decisions are yet to be made.

“Both Nigeria and Thailand still abide by that same Single Convention of 1961 involving cannabis. While I do not hold brief for Thailand, it is instructive to state that what research is conducted by them in order to confirm medical benefits of cannabis is done by seeds imported under their government control from Spain. 

“And for the records, only 100 seedlings have been planted, still awaiting their growth, not to talk of research being conducted on them.  It is inaccurate therefore to say Thailand has approved the medical use of cannabis. This fact can be verified from Thai Embassy in Nigeria.”

“Thailand is known widely as a success story in alternative livelihood development for building alternative income in farming coffee, tea, fruits and crafts which have helped in eradicating opium production.

“The Mae FahLuang Foundation in Thailand which implements the Doi Tung Development Project has curbed the growth of poppy through this process.  This subsequently has banished opium in Thailand.  Nigeria seeks to achieve a similar feat in the eradication of cannabis.”

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