Bill to mandate intending couples, drivers, politicians, others undergo drug tests passes second reading in Adamawa
A bill that will mandate intending couples, traditional rulers, title holders, applicants seeking admission into various institutions of learning, and politicians seeking elective offices among others to undergo routine drug tests has been passed by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Sponsored by the erstwhile Speaker, Rt. Honourable Kabiru Mijinyawa (Yola South constituency), the bill was enacted by the lawmaker in a sequel to a motion by the member representing Gombi constituency, Honourable Japhet Kefas.
After the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Honourable Iya Abbas, who presided over the plenary session, directed the clerk to prepare a clean copy of the bill for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s assent.
The bill stipulates that all politicians seeking an elective, nominated position, or offered a political position must be subjected to rigorous drug or other substance tests in and around Adamawa.
Educational institutions cut across primary and post-primary schools, both public and private tertiary institutions as well as skill acquisition/vocational training schools.
The legislation will also subject union leaders, sportsmen, women, any other government worker, drivers, tricycle operators, and job seekers before consideration for employment, appointment, or issuance of a driving license.
For politicians aspiring or appointed for various political offices as well as students, the mandatory drugs integrity test would form part and parcel of the screening exercise they must undergo before vying for or securing admission or employment.
The mandatory drugs integrity test is aimed at putting in place mentally stable leaders who will be at the helm of affairs as well as checkmate the spate of drug abuse being perpetrated in various academic institutions.
Likewise, the legislation is strategically designed to curtail careless and reckless driving/ riding by NAPEP operators as well as soaring domestic violence among couples as a result of the consumption of illicit substances.
