Abuja Roadside Beggars: SERAP Threatens to Sue Wike Over Controversial Ultimatum

SERAP Seeks Justice for Abuja Roadside Beggars

“Sometimes, they may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not...”

SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against Wike Over Abuja Beggars' Ultimatum - Criminalizing Poverty or Creating Opportunities?

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has sparked controversy with his recent announcement to arrest beggars on the streets of Abuja starting next Monday. During a ceremony marking the start of access road construction in the Katampe District on Tuesday, October 22, Wike declared this stern measure.

However, the Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has swiftly condemned this move, warning Wike of potential legal action unless he retracts his ultimatum. SERAP emphasized that individuals should not be criminalized based on their socio-economic circumstances and instead urged the minister to focus on creating opportunities for beggars to rebuild their lives.

This isn't SERAP's first time holding government officials accountable. Previously, they've sued 36 governors and Wike over failure to account for spending FAAC allocations collected since 1999. They've also demanded that governors return local government funds.

SERAP's Key Demands:

• Retract the ultimatum targeting beggars in Abuja
• Focus on creating opportunities for beggars to rebuild their lives
• Account for spending of FAAC allocations and local government funds

“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,” he said.

SERAP has put Minister Nyesom Wike on notice: if he goes ahead with enforcing his ultimatum against Abuja's street beggars, they'll take him to court. This isn't the first time SERAP has held government officials accountable. Previously, they've sued 36 governors and Wike over failure to account for spending FAAC allocations collected since 1999. They've also demanded governors return local government funds.

SERAP's Stance:

Accountability: SERAP wants Wike to focus on creating opportunities for beggars instead of criminalizing them.

Transparency: They've pushed for governors to account for spending and return local government funds.

Legal Action: SERAP won't hesitate to sue if Wike proceeds with his ultimatum.

By taking a strong stance, SERAP aims to protect vulnerable populations and promote transparency in governance.

"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.

“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 demonise and criminalise them,” the post read.