Eben Enasco Reporting.
Lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, took a decisive step towards reducing drug abuse among citizens of the State when the legislatures urged the state government to put forth the courage to address the danger posed by its consequences with all sobriety.
The call is a flow from the recent advocacy match by the Area Parliament wing of the Silverbird Rhythm 93.7 fm Benin, further amplified on the floor of the House as a part of a resolution on a “motion calling on Edo State government to help curb drug abuse among of the State, sponsored by Hon. Bright Iyamu member representing Orhionwon constituency two.
The motion was supported by Four others including Hon Kaycee Osamwonyi, Hon Frank Omosigho, Hon Adeh Emakhu Isibor, and Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian.
The resolution which urges the State government to set up stringent control measures by constituting a task force to help curb the menace, also admonished the government to give necessary aid to regulatory bodies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA to adequately perform their duties.
The House further enjoined the State government to task schools, religious bodies, and other relevant institutions to combine efforts at fighting the menace in their domain even as it asked the government to create more awareness through media campaigns.
Earlier, moving the motion, the member representing Orhionwon South Constituency Two, Hon. Bright Iyamu observed that the common practice of over-the-
counter dispensing of drugs among citizens sometimes leads to drug abuse.
He advised pharmaceutical regulatory bodies NAFDAC as well as the State Ministry of Health to live up to their responsibilities of regulating drug administration.
Others who supported the motion included Members representing the Akoko-Edo 11 constituency Hon. Donald Okogbe and Hon. Osaro Edosa of Oredo West.
They observed that the issue of drug abuse has a correlation with the increase in crime rate in the country and is also observable in the increase in road accidents.
They expressed displeasure that the problem is negatively affecting the youths of the State thereby reducing productivity and negatively affecting the economy.
In his remark, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku lamented that drug abuse has affected every stratum of society as its effect is noticeable in antisocial behaviors among people in the society.
The Speaker, thereafter, mandated the clerk of the house, Alhaji Audu Omogbai, to forward copies of the resolution to the appropriate authorities for action.
The House thereafter adjourned sitting to Monday, the 11th day of December 2023 after an adjournment motion moved by Hon. Eugene Inegbeboh and seconded by Hon. Kingsley Ugabi.