Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, calling for a united front and tougher laws to combat the menace.
Otti made the remarks while receiving the Assistant Controller General of Narcotics (ACGN), Zone 12, Mrs Florence Ezeonye, who oversees Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, during her working visit to the Government House, Umuahia.
The governor emphasized the need for stringent legislation to deter offenders, noting that drug abuse remains a major factor driving violent crimes and insecurity nationwide.
“Many criminal acts are drug-induced, and until we tackle drug abuse head-on, other social interventions will not yield full results,” Otti stated.
He added that about 80 percent of criminal acts stem from social frustration and economic hardship, stressing the need for rehabilitation and empowerment of youths involved in illicit drug use.
Otti said his government is taking deliberate steps to create economic opportunities and an environment where criminality would be difficult to thrive. He also noted ongoing discussions in the National Assembly aimed at strengthening laws to impose stiffer penalties on drug offenders.
In her response, Mrs Ezeonye commended Governor Otti for his “visionary and pragmatic leadership,” describing Abia as a model for effective collaboration between the state and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
She praised the Otti administration for its support to the NDLEA, including inclusion in the State Security Council, establishment of a rehabilitation centre, provision of operational vehicles, and inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC), which drives grassroots anti-drug education and enforcement.