The Kano State Government has directed all contestants seeking the All Progressive Congress (APC)’s executive council position to undergo a mandatory drug test. This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Muhammad Garba, on Wednesday in Kano.
Garba said interested persons should report to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state for the screening before 7 am.
”The directive is part of government’s policy, to rid Kano of illicit substances,” he said. He warned that no contestant would be screened without undergoing the mandatory drug test ahead of the October 16 state Congress of the ruling party.
”Similar tests were carried out for contestants into local government election, as well as political appointees including members of the state executive council before offering them portfolio.”Garba said.
The commissioner said Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has already mandated the state office of the NDLEA to conduct the tests. The commissioner reaffirmed Ganduje’s commitment to riddle drug abuse among political leaders.
”Government will not hesitate to issue necessary disciplinary measures against anyone found with the trace of illicit substances, including a compulsory recommendation for rehabilitation.” the commissioner said.
On January 8, 13 councillorship aspirants in Kano State tested positive for hard drugs.
According to APC Secretary in Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Sarina, the ruling party had, through the NDLEA conducted tests on the candidates.
Sarina said the 13 councilorship candidates who tested positive for drug abuse were replaced.
