Joy Bakare
Singer Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, visited the Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday, where he declared his support for the fight against substance abuse.
Naira Marley stated that drug abuse pushes people to commit crimes and advised Nigerians to stop using drugs.
He said: “I would like to urge my fans (the Marlians) and all Nigerian youths to stop doing drugs because it’s not good for your well-being.
“Let’s stop substance abuse in any form.”
Naira Marley, who spoke in a video, showed his support for the NDLEA campaign to stop drugs on the street.
Meanwhile, the video has since generated massive reactions from Nigerians who were shocked to see the Marlian president at the NDLEA headquarters.
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During his dominance of the mainstream in 2019, Naira Marley became widely famous for his anti-establishment stance that placed him at odds with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and made his music considered immoral in some quarters.
Naira Marley’s public support for the NDLEA comes as a surprise as he has previously recorded himself smoking on his social media and has sung about marijuana on several occasions.
Reacting, an internet user: @ Ekene00621679, said: “This is someone who has repeatedly smoked on camera…. Where are we going as a country?”
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NvestorHaywhy said: “This is forbidden and shouldn’t be allowed. Naira is known as a gangster who promotes the use of harmful drugs. Making him an ambassador clearly shows they are on the move to legalise drugs and immoral acts in society. I hope the government will see to this and put things in order.”
Jebskine said: “What kind of message are you people at NDLEA passing out to the youths? This is so low. I never expected this from our former Governor Military Administrator in Lagos, Col. Buba Marwa. Seriously, the Hunter and the Hunted are dining together!”
VENT_NG wrote: “The same person that promotes ganja and substance taking in almost all his songs? I hope you’re not making a ‘dealer’ of your ambassador. This is actually a subtle way to legitimate his dealings. He’ll frame this picture and show all his customers that ‘Ati settle e lati Abuja. E ma gbo’ja lo.’”
Supporting, badmusebony1 said: “So many small minds. This is a very good move; it will be difficult for Naira to smoke openly now and encouraging young folks.”
Nkyrian Kyrian said: “That’s good, honestly, many young people, especially girls, are getting into drugs, and this is leading them to madness. I have a video on TikTok where very young girls are smoking with bottles of beer and spirits in front of them. This is so bad. Let our musicians preach this and let those of them that engage in this be arrested and prosecuted; nobody is above the law.”
King_daray, giving the NDLEA kudos, said: “This is good, this campaign must be made widespread and rendered in local languages, including pidgin English. Many young lives are wasting away because of harmful drugs. The authority also needs to partner with other relevant bodies and agencies to rehabilitate these addicts and help them manage the recovery process, or else they will relapse. The manufacturers of drugs and harmful substances must be checked strictly. Also, some of these guys don’t have jobs, skills or education. It goes beyond advocacy, but this is a good starting point. Well done, NDLEA and Marley.”
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Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, also took to her Instagram page to slam the NDLEA for hosting the singer.
Expressing her displeasure, Dikeh wrote: “I’ll unfollow now…
“You guys are the most unserious set of folks!!!
“And if you come for me I’ll be ready!!!!!
“Shit hole!!! shittier home!!!
“I don’t involve my self in bullshit, especially other people’s bullshit…
“This I must say is the biggest embarrassment from any government agency/drug law enforcement agency…
“I would like to say more but I’ll wait for @ndlea_nigeria to pick me up for an interview/Drug test/ or just a chat on why I’m bold enough to call them out!!!!
“Sirs/ma’s I’M READY.
“You know my address, I’ll ask you do it respectfully otherwise we’ll have a PROBLEM…..
“And if I’m replied I’ll gladly respond disrespectfully……
“I have absolutely nothing wrong on the said artist but the government.”