Tonto Dikeh, a Nollywood actress and political figure, has vehemently criticized the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what she perceives as a deeply embarrassing incident.
In response to Nigerian singer Naira Marley’s visit to the NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja, Tonto expressed her disapproval. The agency’s Instagram page featured images of Naira Marley visiting to express his support for the War Against Drug Abuse initiative.
The post included the following caption: “National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), along with music sensation Naira Marley (both positioned in the center), flanked by Femi Babafemi, the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy (2nd from the left), and other members of Marley’s team, namely Sam Larry, Dami Marshal, and Chuddy Naira. The artist paid a visit to the National Headquarters of the Agency in Abuja on Thursday, August 17, 2023, to pledge support for the War Against Drug Abuse.”
Tonto Dikeh, however, used her Instagram platform to express her disapproval of Naira Marley’s decision to align himself with the NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug abuse. She deemed this alignment a significant humiliation for the agency.
In her own words: “I deliberately avoid entangling myself in other people’s issues, especially those I find irrelevant. However, I must vehemently state that this incident stands as the pinnacle of embarrassment emanating from any government or drug law enforcement agency.
I have more to convey, but I will reserve my thoughts until @ndlea_nigeria provides me with an interview opportunity. Should I receive a response, I will not hesitate to retort with unequivocal irreverence. The agency is well aware of my location; therefore, I insist that any communication be conducted with the due respect, or we may find ourselves facing a confrontation. To be absolutely clear, my concerns are solely directed towards the government, and not in any way aimed at the aforementioned artist.”
It is worth noting that Naira Marley and his associates had previously faced legal consequences for drug-related offenses when NDLEA conducted a raid on his residence.