Abuja: Stop Wike’s plan to evict beggars, NGO urges Tinubu

Published

1 year ago

October 27, 2024

A Non-Governmental Organization, Long Term Solution for Destitute Initiative has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Neysom Wike over the ultimatum handed over to beggars to vacate the streets of Abuja,

The Chairman of the group, Dr Saleh Ibrahim, in a statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday said street begging is an embarrassment to any society that creates the conditions for the rise and growth of such poor and vulnerable people.

“I am particularly embarrassed by the fact that Northerners dominate the population of beggars in the country, despite our privilege of holding political power the longest.

Wike assures rural FCT dwellers of more projects

PDP chieftain lauds Wike’s move to unite party members in Sokoto

Building collapse: FCTA inaugurates post-development audit committee

“It’s a badge of shame. Islam forbids and discourages begging. Begging destroys one’s pride. It is an insult to self-esteem. In his last interview with the BBC Hausa Service shortly before his demise, General Hassan Usman Katsina admonished bitterly against begging.

“However, while we are commending the FCT Minister for his “courage” we shouldn’t ignore the human rights angle of the issue. We shouldn’t treat a complex issue superficially. Cosmetic approach to public policy usually makes a bad situation worse. Wike was not the first Minister to expel beggers”

The statement further said former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai had done the same thing before, but the beggars still floored back to Abuja.

“General Jerry Useini also expelled Abuja beggars to a remote forest in Zuru, Kebbi State, but the beggars found their way back. That means the picture is bigger than the surface level understanding of the issue by our policy makers, including Mr. Wike.

“Our constitution has conferred on citizens regardless of their social standing the freedom to reside in any part of the country. Meanwhile the beggers as part of the weak and vulnerable in our society have a right to be catered for in governance.

“The question that is begging for answer now is what has the FCT administration done in terms of catering for the welfare of the weak and vulnerable. Commendably the administration of former FCT minister Nasir El-Rufai built a settlement for the destitute in Yargoji on Abaji road.

“The settlement has a primary school and land for cultivation of food. According to Housing Rights Watch Policy analyst, Anna kompatscher (FEANTSA), “the stigmatization and penalisation of beggars and poor people have heavy consequences for their dignity.

“Banning begging but also other penalization strategies can push the people targeted by these measures further into poverty and social exclusion. A way forward can only be a change of mindset on begging as a criminal economic activity. If begging should be eradicated, then it should not be through penalisation and criminalization but thanks to a more supportive approach, helping low-income families to receive assistance and resources.

“Ironically, in Nigeria, those resources are stolen through corruption. The recent revelations about the large scale corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have exposed how billions of public funds meant for poor people were brazenly stolen. Corruption impoverished the people and make them more vulnerable.

“These vulnerable people are victims of multidimensional poverty. They can’t afford to send their children to school or afford the costs of basic medical care. They die of preventable diseases such cholera, malaria, meningitis and other infections.”

Saleh emphasised that treating beggars as criminals is morally offensive. “They’re victims of the corruption in the country. You can’t punish the victims of corruption and spare the perpetrators. In fact, beggars are the human debris of the devastating impact of pervasive poverty in the country.

“The current insecurity has aggravated poverty which in turn has made the victims to become beggars and refugees. A system that allows people to amass incredible wealth through corruption without consequences is worse than the menace of begging.

“The poor recruitment process into governance in our country is responsible for the endemic nature of begging in our polity. Indonesia, Kenya and several other countries have successfully researched and addressed the menace of begging.”

He, therefore, called on those in position of authority need to understand that addressing the menace of begging is not a rocket science.

“There are steps that are scientifically proven as international best practice of addressing such social problem where there is good governance and sincerity of purpose.”

Entertainment

2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.

For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.

His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?

Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?

At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.

BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.

Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.