Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu warned by Presidential Committee against promoting cannabis

Rotimi Akeredolu has been warned by the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse against advocating for the legalization of growing of cannabis in Nigeria for whatever purpose.

The warning is coming four days after Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State advised that the  Federal Government embrace the cultivation of medicinal cannabis, also known as Indian hemp, in the country.

The Chairman of PACEDA and former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Gen. Mohammed Marwa (retd) via a statement slammed the love.

In his words;

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“It is disturbing that at this time when about 10 million Nigerians are abusing cannabis, anyone or group will be considering or advocating for Nigeria to legalise the growing of marijuana for economic or whatever purposes.

“Our committee has spent the last six months going round the country to obtain first hand information about the dangers of drug abuse and how to combat it, and we have been faced with the stark reality of how deep the menace has damaged and still damaging lives, especially the youths.

“No doubt, President Buhari was worried about this emergency situation, hence the decision to set up PACEDA to find a lasting solution to the threat. We should not therefore fold our hands or keep sealed lips while deliberate attempts are being made to sabotage the genuine efforts of the Federal Government in the interest of the nation.”

“We dare say that no economic gain is worth the life of any Nigerian daily damaged on the street as a result of the effect of cannabis. There is therefore the need for all stakeholders, at the federal, state and local government levels to rally round the Federal Government efforts at eliminating the menace of drug abuse rather than engaging in any counter-productive venture.”