Drug abuse problem in the north worries Senate President

Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed his concern with the widespread abuse of drug by youths in the northern region of the country.

The lawmaker promised that to solve the problem, he'll ensure that the National Assembly reviews all of the country's relevant laws on abuse.

He urged Nigerians to recognise the impact that the drug abuse problem has on the country's wellbeing so as to be able to discuss how to put an end to it.

In a series of tweets on his Twitter account on Friday, September 29, the Senate President posted, "I am particularly worried about the drug menace in the Northern part of the country. It is time that we recognize this problem and address it in a sensible manner.

"I will be pushing for the National Assembly to review all relevant laws on drug abuse. This will help to curb the widespread misuse of illegal and unsanitary substances. The Senate will engage with all relevant stakeholders as we initiate this process."

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On Thursday, September 28, lawmakers of the upper legislative chamber passed a bill for a law that could mean death sentences for kidnappers who abduct for ransom.

ALSO READ: Senate approves bill to sentence kidnappers to death

The bill outlaws abduction, wrongful restraint or confinement for ransom as people who collude with abductors could also get up to 30 years in prison.