Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the destruction of cannabis crops on a farm.
Sowore’s reaction followed a viral video showing operatives of the agency allegedly destroying cannabis plants on a farm.
The AAC presidential candidate described the action as counterproductive, arguing that destroying economically valuable crops amid widespread poverty was an outdated approach.
“It is idiotic to wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty,” Sowore said.
He called on the government to stop destroying cannabis farms and instead legalise and properly regulate the cultivation and use of cannabis.
“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” he said.
Sowore argued that legalising and regulating cannabis would enable Nigeria to invest in research and harness its medicinal and industrial potential while creating jobs and generating government revenue.
“You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!” he added.
