Mixed Reactions Trail Proposed Ban Of Burukutu (Local Gin) By Adamawa Assembly

Mixed reactions trail the planne steps by the Adamawa State House of Assembly to ban the production and consumption of locally made gin, commonly called “Burukutu”.

Aside the gin, the Legislators are considering the total ban on the cultivation of Indian hemp being carried out in some parts of the state.

The Assembly in a legislation sponsored by the Member representing Guyuk constituency, Hon. Adwawa Donglock, is considering making the production and consumption of the gin as well cultivation of Indian hemp illegal.

The legislation is tagged “a bill to prohibit the production of illicit gin, cultivation of Indian hemp and the abuse of local substances and provide for matters incidental thereto”.

Already, the bill has been presented before the hallowed chamber by Guyuk for consideration and other legislative processes.

But reacting to the move, a cross-section of the citizens described the steps taken by the Member and the entire assembly as a welcome development, saying that the bill is accepted and supported 100 percent because it is in the interest of the State.

A resident of Banga along Muhammed Mustapha way in Jimeta who spoke to Newmen on Saturday, said that such substances should be outrightly banned across the state considering its effects on the health of the citizens more especially the consumers.

He was quick to call on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to liaise with the assembly in order to accord the bill accelerated consideration.

According to him, the gin is poisonous and highly contaminated, and it damages the liver of its consumers.

He lamented that the number of mad people especially the youth is on the increase on the streets due to smoking of Indian hemp and abuse of hard drugs.

But other cross-section of the citizens who bared their minds vehemently kicked against the bill, saying people should be allowed to decide on what to produce or take.

According to them, consuming such substances makes them to forget their problems, that of their families and living condition in the country, saying that with their N50 to N100 they get big charge.

To some of them, dealing in such substances enhances the internally generated revenue, adding that the revenues being generated contribute tremendously to the provision of infrastructural facilities by the government.