FG won’t plead for drug convicts abroad –AGF ( Punchng )

Federal Government will no longer plead for clemency for any Nigerian convicted abroad of drug-related offences.

The government also promised to ensure effective enforcement of the anti-money laundering laws of the country and lengthy jail sentences for law breakers.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Bello Adoke, stated this at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Abuja on Tuesday. The theme of the event, where Adoke was represented by Mr. Pius Oteh, was ‘Global Action for Healthy Communities Without Drugs’.

The event, which was organised by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, also witnessed the public presentation of books written by an official of the NDLEA, Dr. Martin Agwogie.

Adoke appealed to Nigerians involved in drug trafficking to stop denting the image of the country.

He said, “I wish to appeal to Nigerians to respect and abide by the anti-drugs laws not only of Nigeria, but of countries they visit or transit. Nigerians arrested abroad not only bring shame and ridicule upon our country, but also place themselves in the avoidable danger of long jail sentences or even capital punishment, far away from their families, friends and the country.”

The AGF praised the NDLEA for its fight against drug trafficking, promising that the government would continue to improve welfare of the workers.

He added that their efforts would be complemented by “effective enforcement of anti-money laundering laws and lengthy jial sentences for persons who contravene our ant1-trade laws”.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Pius Anyim, represented by his Senior Special Assistance (Research and Documentation), Mr. Ferdinand Agu, said the war against illicit drugs was the responsibility of all Nigerians.

He said, “Report has it that in Brazil alone, over 450 Nigerians are being detained for drug-related offences. In India, over 300 Nigerians are serving various jail terms for drug peddling with 17 of them on the death row.

“These are young individuals that would have been out there contributing their own quota to the social and economic development of our fatherland. This gives cause for worry because the youth, as the saying goes, are the leaders of tomorrow.”