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The Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council ((LACO-FSIC) at the weekend cautioned opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State against utterances capable of pitching the executive arm of government against the judicial arm, as both operate separately.
The Campaign Council gave the upbraid in a statement on Saturday by its Director of Contact and Engagement, Dr. Marindoti Oludare.
He reacted in response to the persistence by the PDP Candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, that Governor Aiyedatiwa should have prevented some communities from filing a suit that led to the nullification of 33 Local Council Development Areas, by an Akure High Court.
Replying, Oludare stated, “In response to the ongoing and intractable criticism by the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Agboola Ajayi, regarding the recent court judgment, we must address the fundamental flaws in his understanding of basic democratic principles, the separation of powers, and the role of the executive arm in our state.
He added, “Mr. Ajayi’s persistent blame on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for a judicial decision reveals a worrying misconception of the governor’s role and the independence of the judiciary.
“This misguided belief that Governor Aiyedatiwa should interfere in the judicial process is not only undemocratic but also dangerous, as it suggests that Mr. Ajayi intends to undermine the very foundation of our democracy by expecting executive overreach.
According to him, the crucial part of the court ruling addressed the legality of a sitting governor signing laws outside the seat of power in Akure and that Ajayi’s opposition to this ruling indicates his intention, if elected, to govern from outside the state, essentially becoming an absentee governor.
Oludare, a United States-based medic, stressed, stating, “His (Ajayi’s) continuous criticism of the governor over a judicial order, which is an expression of democracy, further demonstrates his desire to dictate terms, showcasing a dictatorial tendency that the people of Ondo State should be wary of.”
He further lampoon’s that “Mr. Ajayi’s inability to shift his focus from this matter, despite being described as dull and morose by those closest to him, highlights a troubling intellectual deficiency.”
“As the saying goes, ‘an empty barrel makes the loudest noise’, and the people of Ondo State should remember that while an empty barrel can make noise, it cannot pour them water to drink.
“This metaphor aptly illustrates that Mr. Ajayi has nothing substantive to offer the good residents of our state,” he averred.
Oludare also noted that Nigeria was undergoing significant economic reforms, and Ondo State faced pressing challenges, including food security, transportation costs, reliable energy, farm roads, rural electrification, job creation, and youth empowerment.
He said Governor Aiyedatiwa had been diligently working to address these issues since assuming office, adding, “We welcome constructive criticism on these substantive issues that benefit the people of Ondo State, not frivolous distractions designed merely to create an issue just to be combative.”
“The people of Ondo State deserve a leader focused on real issues and capable of delivering tangible results.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to these goals, and we encourage all residents to recognise the difference between empty noise and meaningful action, Oludare appraised.
The post Aiyedatiwa Campaign Cautions PDP Against Inciting Executive-Judiciary Clash In Ondo appeared first on Barristers.NG .

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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.