AKH-TRACADA opposes Sowore’s call to legalize cannabis

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse (AKH-TRACADA) has opposed the recent call by a Civil Right Activist, Omoyele Sowore to legalize cannabis in Nigeria.

AKH-TRACADA in a press statement released in Abuja Friday, signed by its Founder/National Coordinator, Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche strongly opposed the recent call by Omoyele Sowore for the legalization of cannabis and as well condemn in the strongest terms, the insulting and disparaging remarks directed at drug law enforcement officers who are carrying out their lawful responsibilities.

According to the statement, “Drug abuse remains a serious public health and social concern, with consequences for individuals, families, communities, and national development. Any discussion about drug policy should therefore be guided by credible evidence, public safety, responsible legislation, and the protection of vulnerable members of society—not by rhetoric that trivializes the risks associated with drug abuse.

“We recognize that legitimate public debate about drug policy is necessary in a democratic society. However, advocating for policy change should never become an excuse to ridicule, demean, or undermine officers whose duty is to enforce existing drug laws. Drug law enforcement personnel operate under demanding circumstances and deserve respect, institutional, professional and public support.

“We call on public officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, and members of the public to conduct discussions on drug policy responsibly and respectfully. Differences of opinion should be expressed through lawful and constructive channels rather than through personal attacks against law enforcement personnel.

“We however, thank the officers and men of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for professionally intensifying the anti-drug war which is yielding positive results. Again, NDLEA has strengthened public education, treatment, rehabilitation, and evidence-based approaches to drug-related challenges while maintaining effective enforcement against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

“Our position is clear on this which was communicated at the Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Care Sensitization, Programme” organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the North Central Zone from 4^th to 6^th June 2022.

“In response to a group that pushed for legalization of cannabis at the conference which yours sincerely attended for AKH-TRACADA. We held that, “Drug policy must prioritize public health, public safety, the rule of law, and the protection of our communities. AKH-TRACADA hereby strongly objected to the legalization of cannabis in any form”.

“As we acknowledge the inalienable right of any individual or group to make his stand or position to be known publicly on a sensitive issue such as this, we also believe that the approach used must be civil and presented in a manner that is devoid of insults against those entrusted with enforcing law. Any attempt to denigrate or demean our hardworking personnel that sacrifice daily for this country will be unacceptable.

“We encourage all stakeholders to choose informed dialogue over provocation and cooperation over confrontation in addressing the complex challenges associated with drug abuse.

Recall that Sowore had in a post on his Facebook page called for the legalization of cannabis over the destruction of cannabis farms by NDLEA personnel.