Mon. May 25th, 2026
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…Says his Appointment As Buhari’s Campaign Manager is Humiliating,Meant To Squander more Rivers Money

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has frowned at some uncomplimentary comments by the outgoing State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi on its State leader and  2015 Governorship Flag bearer, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, CON.

The Party says it is most concerned about the inconsistency and falsehood contained in Amaechi’s statements, observing that they are obvious pointers to the frustration of a drowning person.

The Peoples Democratic Party describes Gov Amaechi’s claim while speaking on Radio Port Harcourt, 91.7FM, a live Radio programme, on Friday December 19, 2014, of sacking Chief Nyesom Wike as Chief of Staff, as monumental fallacy and inconsistent with his later remarks that he recommended same person for appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The PDP wonders why the so called principal that sacked his employee on ground of incompetence will still recommend same person for a higher and more tasking responsibility.

The truth, PDP explains, was that the former Minister, Wike, was not sacked, neither was he recommended for any federal appointment by Gov. Amaechi, stressing that the former Chief of Staff was appointed Minister based on his pedigree, resourcefulness, capability and ability to deliver assigned tasks, in addition to his domestic goodwill and acceptability by the people in Rivers State.

The Party again challenges Gov. Amaechi on issues of corruption, warning that those who live in glass houses should beware of throwing stones.

It is unfortunate that Gov Amaechi has not conducted himself as a responsible, wise and civilized leader. Otherwise, he would have realized that the immunity clause under which he hides himself today will soon elapse, and the evils and fraudulent activities he engages in today will be accounted for, because nothing is hidden under the sun, the PDP remarked.

“We had thought of consoling Governor Amaechi on the several avoidable disappointments he has suffered under the APC, but his unrepentant attitude and continued desperation, smack of ignorance and youthful exuberance, which does not encourage such sympathy. Our worry also is the fact that the appointment as campaign officer to Buhari will translate to nothing in terms of benefit to the people of the State”.

Describing the reported appointment of Gov. Amaechi as the Campaign Manager of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammed Buhari, as a further humiliation to the disappointed Vice Presidential dreamer, the PDP insists that the APC never took the decision in good faith, but to ensure that its major source of funding and execution of party campaigns is sustained.

The PDP wonders why Gov. Amaechi continues living in a fool’s paradise, having been deceived by the APC leaders, the second time, stressing that the paramount interest of Ahmed Tinubu and his cabal is only in creating avenues for squandering Rivers tax payers money and resources without conceding any sensitive top elective position to the man (Amaechi), who is today a leading financier of the APC.

The Party recalls that Amaechi, after spending billions of Rivers money, lobbying for the National Chairmanship slot of the Party, was rigged out, he further wasted over N17b canvassing for the emergence of the former military dictator, Gen. Buhari, to pave way for his selection as Vice Presidential candidate.

Why the Governor was struggling to recuperate from the shock of his rejection as Buhari’s running mate, the APC leaders have just thrown in another banana peel, naming him (Amaechi) as campaign manager, only to encourage the prodigal son to continue to milk dry the resources of Rivers State.

The Party therefore, warns Gov Amaechi on the wrong and dangerous path he has chosen to tread, and admonishes him to retrace his steps, urging all those who have been deceived by his lies and mendacity to come back home and help to rebuild our beloved State.

It also calls on well meaning Rivers people to rise up and stop Gov. Amaechi from further wasting the State resources in executing Tinubu’s political agenda, thereby impoverishing the oil- rich but suppressed people of Rivers State.

 

By admin

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.