BAYELSA GOVT PLEDGES TO ASSIST NDLEA

Yenagoa--The Bayelsa State government says it will continue to assist
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against
drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

Governor Goodluck Jonathan made the remark at the closing ceremony of
a weeklong sensitization and enlightenment campaigns and advocacy
against drug abuse, trafficking and drug induced crimes in the state
at the Yenagoa sports complex. Jonathan who was represented by his
deputy, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi noted that although drugs are
therapeutic agents that play an important role in the lives of human
beings, they could make or mar life depending on how they are used.

He noted that though the punishment which drug trafficking attracts
is draconian, it is expedient to note that drug abuse and drug
trafficking are linked with heinous criminal activities and has a
very close relationship with HIV/AIDS. Jonathan urged all Bayelsans,
especially youth bodies in the state to take advantage of the
campaign to embark on sustained enlightenment drive to educate the
populace on how their peers will engage their energies in creative
and development oriented programmes.

The governor commended the NDLEA for organizing the enlightenment and
advocacy campaign in the state and used the opportunity to urge the
Federal Government to strengthen the National Criminal Justice System
significantly for it to be effective and gain public confidence.

He also called for the establishment of autonomous national agency
for the prevention of drug abuse, which should be responsible for
policy formulation and programme implementation on the reduction of
drug abuse in the country. In his address, the state commander of the
NDLEA, Mr. Michael Adie said the campaign is for all Bayelsans.