The Kaduna State Executive Council (EXCO) on Monday approved draft bills on drug abuse and witness protection. It also reviewed progress in the recruitment of 2,550 youths for KASTELEA jobs.

Briefing journalists, after the meeting, Amina Dyeris-Sijuwade, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said that “these two bills signal the government’s intention to adopt new approaches to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law and rescuing young people from the ravages of drug abuse.”

The Attorney-General explained that the drug control law provides for measures to prevent substance abuse as well for the treatment of addicts and substance abusers. The bill provides guidelines for voluntary treatment and clear processes, including judicial review, for initiating and managing involuntary treatment. All these safeguards are to ensure that the rights and dignity of persons under treatment are protected.

On the witness protection bill, Dyeris-Sijuwade described it as an important advance for the rule of law. She explained that the bill “provides the conditions and procedures for ensuring special protection for persons in possession of important or sensitive information, against intimidation or threat to life that may arise from their cooperation with the public prosecutor.” She said that the Executive Council noted that fear is one of the major weapons criminals use when they erect hurdles against justice. This bill seeks to remove the fear that criminals implant in potential witnesses.

The EXCO also approved the operational structure and staffing plan for KASTELEA, the state government agency that is being prepared for traffic and environmental enforcement duties. The council noted that 18,270 persons applied for KASTELEA jobs, and confirmed that 2,550 persons would be recruited from the final shortlist. The new personnel would be chosen on the basis of 10 youths per ward, after physical and medical screening.

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.