The Kano State Government has directed contestants seeking executive council positions in the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state to undergo a mandatory drug test.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, on Wednesday, said all interested persons should report to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state for the screening, beginning from Tuesday, October 12, 2021, to the close of nomination form sale.
Garba said the decision was part of the government’s policy to rid Kano of illicit substance, insisting that no aspirant would be allowed without NDLEA certification.
He warned that no contestant would be screened without undergoing the mandatory drug test ahead of the October 16 state congress of the ruling party.
The statement says “Similar tests were carried out for contestants into local government election, as well as political appointees including members of the state executive council before offering them a portfolio,”
The Commissioner added that Governor Ganduje had already mandated the state office of the NDLEA to conduct the tests.
Garba reaffirmed Governor Abdullahi Ganduje administration’s commitment to stop drug abuse among political leaders.
“Government will not hesitate to issue necessary disciplinary measures against anyone found with the trace of illicit substances, including a compulsory recommendation for rehabilitation,” he added.