The Delta state House of Assembly member representing Ika North-East Constituency, Hon. Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri, has expressed concern over the high rate of abuse of narcotics and other psychotropic substances in the state.
While moving the motion which was seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Bomadi constituency, Oboro Preyor, Elekeokwuri argued that over 28,000 patients in Uselu Psychiatric Hospital, Edo State, were under treatment for drug abuse related insanity, of which Delta State had over 19,000 among the patients.
The lawmaker disclosed that a survey of 46,836 young people with criminal convictions shows that 15.7 percent of the respondents represented marijuana users, adding that youths within the age bracket of 14 were also using illicit drugs.
He also disclosed that a factory producing the dangerous Methamphetamine was discovered in Asaba, recently, adding that the factory could only have been located in Asaba because it had a viable market.
According to Elekeokwuri,
“We can avert this anomaly if we can give requisite sensitization to our people. While some use it to curb premature ejaculation, others use it to boost their energy to work. These abuses are reducing the productivity of youths and, if not curbed, can sabotage the future of Delta State,” Elekeokwuri warned.
The Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere, argued that in the past, it was assumed that drug abuse was a Western problem, stating that the narrative had changed as it is now a common occurrence in the country.
Owhefere remarked that there was a gradual drift from morality thereby warning that if not checked, it would soon become a norm. He appealed to the House to support the motion as moved for the good of Delta State.
Specifically, the House wants the State to collaborate with international agencies and other relevant stakeholders in addressing the problem.
Other members who joined in the debate and described the motion as timely and important, included Honourables Shola Daibo, Daniel Mayuku, Alphosus Ojo, Pat Ajudua, Oboro Preyor, Samuel Mariere and Efe Ofoburuku,