Posted by By Aminu Oyarekhua on
The Director of Finance and Administration of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr. Daniel Ismaila Shaga, has said that that the agency has witnessed tremendous improvement.
The Director of Finance and Administration of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr. Daniel Ismaila Shaga, has said that that the agency has witnessed tremendous improvement. He, however, noted that there is need for increased public enlightenment to sensitize the people to the dangers of drug trafficking, usage and money laundering.
"I want to go down in history as part of the team that worked tirelessly and selflessly to rid Nigeria of the stigma of drug peddling nation. My ultimate dream is to help build the agency to such an enviable height that it would continue to move on stronger even after we have retired," he enthused.
He spoke further:
What happens to sucpects after arrest
People have often raised the point that when we make arrests we publicise them but that they don't get to know what happens afterward. To be frank with you, our job stops at prosecuting those suspects by taking them to court. The judges pronounce the sentences and journalists are supposed to cover court sessions and tell the public what we are doing. You can see our statistics of prosecution. But you must understand that we do not determine what happens to suspects in court other than the fact that we ensure scrupulous prosecution of cases such that we can boast of almost zero acquittal.
Bribe
Have I been tempted with bribe by drug barons? Ordinarily, only those in operations are vulnerable to being lured by offers by drug barons. I, however, do know that drug barons do equally want to use officers who are not in operations to influence certain things through offering of bribes. But I must tell you that I have never had such an experience. But the standpoint is that there is no justification for anyone offering bribe for my services. They dare not attempt to bribe me because they know the kind of a person I am.
Greatest fear in life
My greatest fear in life is war. In war, casualties do not discriminate. Oftentimes you see the innocent consumed, including women and children, and see widespread inhuman conditions, which in the first place is avoidable. And then come to think about the fact that at the end of every war is peace and the same peace can be achieved through peaceful means. So, the problem with war is not just that people die, because even without war death occurs but what about the human suffering and the genocide?
Happiest moments
One of my happiest moments was when the Federal Government recognized my services and gave me the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Awards and recognition
I belong to several professional bodies including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (CNA), Nigeria Institute of Management, Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Fellow, Chartered Institute of Corporate Management, Certified Institute of Public Administration and Management (CIPAM).
I have also received several awards, commendations and recognition including Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by Evangel Christian University of America, Monroe, Louisiana USA. I am have also received distinguished alumnus award from the University of Maiduguri alumni association in Lagos.
EFCC
Shaga also spoke on the on-going battle against corruption by the Obasanjo government and he commended president's action, stressing that with the step being taken by the Federal Government agency like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC to fight corruption, the country is regaining her lost glory and recognition in the international community. He said that the EFCC headed by Nuhu Ribadu is doing a good job.