The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract his recent threat to arrest beggars in Abuja. The organization warned that failure to do so would result in legal action.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, SERAP stressed that no individual should be penalized for their socio-economic status.
The group urged Wike to focus on creating opportunities for beggars to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society rather than resorting to punitive measures.
Wike had during the flag-off of access road construction in Katampe District on Tuesday, announced plans for a crackdown on beggars in the nation’s capital, stating that enforcement would begin on Monday.
“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,” Wike said.
The minister also expressed concerns that some individuals posing as beggars could be criminals, adding, “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.”
In response, SERAP emphasized the need to protect the dignity and human rights of marginalized individuals, stating, “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 criminalised for engaging in life-sustaining economic activities or because of their economic or social status.”
The rights group further urged Wike to address the underlying issues contributing to poverty in the FCT.
“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,” SERAP added.
The post concluded by calling on the minister to tackle homelessness and poverty in Abuja without demonizing or criminalizing vulnerable individuals.
