Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, don declare war on street begging for Abuja and give beggars ultimatum to vacate the city by Sunday night. Wike make this declaration during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Abuja.
Wike say that Abuja dey turn into city of beggars and that the administration no go tolerate activities wey dey fuel insecurity again. “If you know you have sister or brother wey be beggar, tell them, from next week, we will take them out,” Wike warn. He also express concern say not all beggars be genuine, some fit be criminals or informants pretending to be beggars.
The move na part of the administration’s strategy to restore Abuja’s image and ensure the city compete favorably with other major cities worldwide. Wike emphasize say the city’s appearance play vital role in shaping foreign perceptions of Nigeria. “If foreigners come to the city and the city no look good, it dey give them pressure,” he say.
Besides the crackdown on street begging, Wike also disclose the administration’s plans to rehabilitate 25 schools and bolster security measures in the FCT. He assure that significant progress dey made in the area councils, with plans to commission six roads totaling about 65 kilometers in the area councils by December.
In another development, the House of Representatives don summon Wike, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Peter Opara, among others, to address the worsening security situation in Abuja. This follow the tragic death of a legislative aide, Nimah Sulaiman, who was kidnapped and murdered by “one chance” taxi operators.
