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Who Is Buba Marwa In Nigeria?
Buba Marwa is a prominent Nigerian politician and retired military officer. He has held various positions in both the private and public sectors, including serving as the military governor of Lagos State and the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Marwa is known for his zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking and his contributions to the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Buba Marwa was born on September 9, 1953, in Michika, a town in Adamawa State, Nigeria. He attended the Nigerian Military School in Zaria and later graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. Marwa also holds a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University in the United States.
Military Career
Marwa had a distinguished career in the Nigerian military, rising to the rank of Brigadier General. He served in various capacities, including as a commander of military units and as a member of the United Nations Peacekeeping force in Lebanon. Marwa was also a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
Political Career
Marwa's political career began in 1996 when he was appointed as the military governor of Lagos State. He served in this position for two years and is credited with initiating various developmental projects in the state, including the construction of the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge and the expansion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
After retiring from the military, Marwa joined the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and contested in the 2007 presidential election. He lost the election to Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Marwa later joined the PDP and served as the chairman of the party's Presidential Campaign Committee in the 2015 general elections.
In 2016, Marwa was appointed as the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure, Marwa intensified the agency's crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, leading to the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs and the arrest of numerous drug traffickers.
Achievements and Contributions
Throughout his career, Buba Marwa has made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria, particularly in the areas of security and drug control. As the military governor of Lagos State, he initiated various developmental projects that have contributed to the state's growth and development. As the chairman of the NDLEA, Marwa led several successful operations against drug trafficking and abuse, making significant strides in the fight against drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
Marwa's efforts towards drug control in Nigeria have been recognized both nationally and internationally. In 2018, he was awarded the Global Leadership Award for his contributions to drug control and peacekeeping efforts in Africa.
Controversies
Marwa's no-nonsense approach towards drug trafficking and abuse has been both praised and criticized. While many commend his efforts in the fight against drug abuse, others have accused him of human rights abuses, including the use of excessive force and extra-judicial killings.
In 2021, Marwa made headlines for his comments on the legalization of cannabis in Nigeria. He stated that the NDLEA would continue to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the cultivation, sale, or use of cannabis, even if it was legalized. His comments sparked a debate on the legalization of cannabis in Nigeria and the effectiveness of the agency's approach towards drug control.
Final Thoughts
Buba Marwa is a prominent Nigerian politician and retired military officer who has made significant contributions to Nigeria's development, particularly in the areas of security and drug control. While his no-tolerance approach towards drug abuse has been praised, it has also been criticized for alleged human rights abuses. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the issue of drug abuse, Marwa's contributions towards drug control remain significant and worthy of recognition.
