FORMER CHAIRMAN OF EFCC ADVISED THAT NATIONAL HONOURS NOMINEES BE TESTED FOR DRUGS

The former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farida Waziri spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday after her inauguration as a member of the National Honours Award Committee and has advised that National Honours nominees be tested for drugs.

Waziri assured that they would ensure only people of impeccable character are shortlisted.

She said the inclusion of drug tests would be in line with the war against drug abuse launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 26.

“I will be calling for the use of drug integrity test as part of the screening process for those to be considered for the honours award.

“That way, we will be extending deterrence frontiers of the drug war because it has to cover all age brackets and social strata,” Waziri added.

The committee inaugurated by the Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, is chaired by retired Justice Sidi Muhammad, the Emir of Lafia.

Members are Waziri (North-Central), Muhammed Ja’afaru (North West), Alhaji Sali Bello (North-East).

Others are Chief Inikio Dede (South-South); Prof. Lazarus Ekwueme (South-East), Mr Yemisi Shyllon (South-West).

Dr Abdullahi Oyekan, Mrs Angela Jim-Jaja, among others are co-opted, members.