Senator Ali Ndume has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to adopt a more compassionate and sustainable approach in addressing the issue of street begging and homelessness in Abuja, rather than resorting to arrests and forced removals.

Ndume made this suggestion on Wednesday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, presented a N1.7 trillion 2025 statutory budget to the National Assembly on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Drawing inspiration from historical social welfare models, Ndume cited the example of Kano State in the 1970s, where vulnerable populations were identified, housed, provided with meals, and trained in vocational skills to foster economic empowerment.

“The FCT is also about the indigent,” Ndume said. “For the displaced people roaming around Abuja, it is not enough just to arrest them. What you need to do is what the Kano State Government did in the 1970s — identify the indigent and establish camps where they can be fed and trained so they can be taken off the streets.”

He proposed a transitional support system that includes shelter, food, healthcare, and skills acquisition as a long-term strategy to reintegrate the less privileged into society and eliminate the causes of street begging.

In addition to his social welfare recommendation, Senator Ndume also proposed a new security strategy for Abuja to curb the rising rate of crime. He recommended adopting a “picketing” method similar to one reportedly used in Cairo, Egypt, where police officers are stationed at 200-meter intervals throughout the city from 6:00 p.m. to dawn.

“At every 200 meters, there should be one police officer either sitting or standing there until morning. That way, the mere presence of the police secures the night,” he said.

Senator Ndume further expressed concern over the poor state of medical infrastructure in Abuja, particularly referencing Asokoro District Hospital, which he noted lacks critical diagnostic facilities such as MRI and CT scan machines.

“Even today, a patient was taken to Asokoro Hospital — they don’t have MRI or CT scan facilities. I don’t know if the Minister is aware, but if you are, I am sure you would have done something,” Ndume said.

In response, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike acknowledged the senator’s suggestions and the value of such social initiatives. However, he highlighted the logistical and financial limitations of the FCT administration in sustaining rehabilitation programmes.

“The FCT doesn’t have the capacity to support that kind of programme,” Wike stated. “Some of them, even when you support them, still come back to beg. It is not just about establishing a camp; it is about sustainable engagement and ensuring they stay off the streets.”

Wike added that while the intention is commendable, a lasting solution requires a multi-faceted, collaborative effort to address the systemic issues contributing to urban poverty and homelessness.

The governorship candidate for AAC has shared a screenshot of a message a supporter sent to her a few hours ago, the supporter was actually lobbying for political position from her when she becomes the governor of Anambra state.

She replied the support that he/she will enter the government house with her when she wins Anambra Election.

Chioma Ifemeludike is the only female candidate for the Anambra Governorship Election and she is so confident she will win the election.

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party PDP, Adewole Adebayo says he will not step down for former vice president, Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 election.

Adebayo disclosed this on Wednesday night during an interview on Channels TV following speculation that Atiku may use SDP as platform to run for the 2027 presidential election.

He clarified that Atiku or any other politicians can only join the party and follow due processes to secure the party’s ticket.

He said, “I will not step down for Atiku Abubakar and he has not said that anybody should step down for him.

“Neither me nor Atiku Abubakar can use the SDP. The party belongs to the Nigerian people, nobody can use it.

“What can happen is that those who believe in the ideology of the party can come to the party. We are not available to be used, if you want to join us, you can join us”.

Ekwutosblog reports that opposition bigwigs have resolved to come together via a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the coming election.

Atiku, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai are the notable figures spearheading the movement.