The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP), has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Teritory, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw threat on the arrest of beggars in the nation’s capital.
They further called on the FCT minister to quit actions on his remarks earlier, stating that beggars are loitering and causing nuisance to the city or otherwise face legal actions.
SERAP, in a post on its official X handle, #SerapNigeria, today, Wednesday, the 23rd of October, 2024, stated that no one should be termed or taken for a criminal for their socio-economic status, adding that the Minister should instead create and provide more opportunities to help them improve their lives and become a contributor to the nation’s growth.
Reports gathered earlier, says that during the flag-off ceremony for access road construction in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital on Tuesday, Wike openly threatened to move beggars loitering on the capital territory, saying that enforcement agents would start apprehending them from Monday.
In their statement they said : “Let me state clearly that we have declared war; Abuja is turning into a beggar city. If you know you have a sister or brother who is a beggar, please, from next week, we will take them away. It is embarrassing that people will come in and the first thing they will see are just beggars on the road”
“Sometimes, they may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that. So, I’m giving you a public holiday from now until Sunday. From Monday, we will remove them”
SERAP, in its post, also urged the Minister to quickly address and handle all socio-economic rights of marginalized individuals in the FCT.
“The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, must immediately withdraw his apparently unlawful threat to arrest beggars in Abuja or face legal action. No one should be criminalized for engaging in life-sustaining economic activities or because of their economic or social status’’
The statement further said that, Wike should address the plight of those that are homeless and those living in poverty in the city of Abuja and not to term them demonized or criminals.
“Rather than arresting and cracking down on beggars, Mr. Wike should provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and fully integrate into society while respecting their dignity and human rights. Mr. Wike should immediately begin to address the root causes of poverty and the violations of the economic and social rights of particularly marginalized individuals in Abuja’’
“Mr. Wike must address the plight of those experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty in Abuja and not demonize and criminalize them,” the post stated.
