“If tomorrow Naira Marley is caught with illicit substances, he will face sanctions.” —- NDLEA
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has renewed it commitment and fight against illegal substances in the country.
The agency revealed that its new drug advocate and Nigerian artiste, Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, will be arrested anytime he is caught with illegal substances.
In a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, while reacting to the criticism that trailed the use of the controversial singer for its drug abuse advocacy.
Global Times Nigeria recall, that Naira Marley had on Thursday met with the Chairman of the agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, Rtd, in his office at Abuja, Federal Capital Territory and advised youths to stop taking illicit substances.
Our correspondent reports that some Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the NDLEA for using the singer known to glorify and encourage drug abuse in his songs as a drug advocate.
Babafemi in a recent interview with the Punch said using Marley as an advocate did not mean that the agency won’t arrest him if he was caught with drugs tomorrow.
According to the spokesperson, the agency intentionally enlisted the controversial artiste for its drug abuse advocacy because he has a lot of young followers, and they listen to him.
He therefore, urged critics to consider the message and not focus on the messenger.
He said, “It is an advocacy engagement with him. It is what we do as part of the responsibilities of the agency to promote advocacy messages that would discourage people from substance abuse. It is about the message.
DG NDLEA, Gen. Buba Marwa
“Don’t forget that he has a lot of young followers known as Marlians that look up to him.
The idea is for the leader of the movement (Marlians) to come out and ask people to stop substance abuse and live a new life.
“Last year, we arrested some of his artistes (Zinoleesky and Mohbad). That is to show that we are not closing our eyes.
