The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has stressed that politicians and students must undergo drug integrity tests.

According to NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd.), the tests is necessary for those seeking public offices especially ahead of the 2023 general elections, noting that no politician under the influence of drugs deserves to hold a position.

Speaking on ‘Drug abuse and national security challenge: way forward’, at the 5th anniversary lecture of presidential diary magazine in Abuja on Tuesday, Marwa said the drug tests are also important for students seeking admissions into higher institutions.

According to The PUNCH, the statement titled ‘Why politicians, students, must undergo drug test – Marwa’ was released by the agency’s Director of Publicity and Media, Femi Babalola.

The statement read: “As elections come up in the states and across the country, there is the need for the people to entrust the management of their treasury and their wellbeing in the hands of politicians that have clear minds because no public office holder under the influence of drugs can think straight,” the statement read in part.

“He said same thing applies to students who are seeking admission into higher institutions.

“He said because of the evidence-based strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges across the country, concerted efforts must be made towards tackling the drug scourge headlong.

“In this regard, we are doing our best in our area of responsibility in the NDLEA.”