…Calls on Tinubu, NASS to call NDLEA to order
From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kaduna State branch on Friday told operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state to stop harassing its members without provocation saying enough is enough.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, Chairman, PSN Kaduna State Branch, Pharm. Sunday Ali Okoh flanked by other executive members and members, noted that in 2024 alone, about five of their members have been so harassed by NDLEA without regard for the rule of engagement.
According to them, they were not against bringing any pharmacist found wanting in illegal and or unlawful drug deals to book by the concerned authorities, they reject any act of distortion of facts and profiling their members with photography without thorough investigation.
They therefore called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to rescue their members from incessant harassment of their members who are professionally trained and registered pharmacists by the NDLEA.
“We wish to, by this medium, draw the attention of the Federal and State Government as well as relevant stakeholders and the general public to the incessant harassment of members of PSN in the hands of the NDLEA, Kaduna State Command for some time now and we say enough is enough.
“And we say to NDLEA to respect the rights of patients and allow pharmacists to carry out their statutory roles. All over the planet earth, the rights to medications (life) are fundamental.
“It is worthy to note that pharmacists are licensed to import, export, mix, compound, prepare/dispense, sell, procure, and distribute drugs and poisons (PCN Establishment Aet 2022).
“Times without number, the NDLEA has unduly, illegally, and professionally obstructed and hindered these life-saving roles only to feather their nest, exploit Nigerians, and force their victims to give assent that bail is free.
“Law enforcement agents have become lawbreakers. What a shame! Enough is enough NDLEA, to allow pharmacists to do their work. Arresting pharmacists and obstructing bail application with a cover-up – investigation is ongoing, confiscating prescription drugs at pharmacies and placing a seal on the pharmacies can no longer go down the throat.
“Pharmacies are legal entities and many patients’ medications are stored in them. Sealing up pharmacies is as good as denying the citizens the right to life.
“We call on the National Assembly and the Presidency to curtail the excesses of NDLEA in Kaduna State.
“We wish all authorities concerned will take appropriate measures to tackle this menace which does not only affect members of PSN but also the society at large”, they said.