Chasing Beggars From Abuja Is Hiding Our Sickness Instead Of Curing It – Shehu Sani Warns FCT Minister Wike

Shehu Sani, the social activist and former member of the Nigerian Senate, has condemned the plan by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to chase away beggars from the FCT in Abuja.

Sani noted this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.

“Chasing out Beggars from Abuja is like hiding our sickness instead of curing it Or hiding our laundry instead of cleaning it.

"The Abuja beggars don’t tarnish our image,they represent our hidden images that we don’t want the world to see.” he posted.

Chasing out Beggars from Abuja is like hiding our sickness instead of curing it Or hiding our laundry instead of cleaning it.The Abuja beggars don’t tarnish our image,they represent our hidden images that we don’t want the world to see.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) October 23, 2024

Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had given street beggars in Abuja five days to vacate the city.

The ultimatum, announced on Tuesday, during the launch of a new access road project in Katampe District, aimed to address what Wike described as a national embarrassment.

Speaking at the ceremony for the construction of a road connecting Ring Road 1 to the Judges’ Quarters, Wike emphasised the urgency of removing beggars from the capital's streets.

He had declared that President Bola Tinubu’s government would take decisive action against those who remain after the Sunday deadline.

"Allowing beggars in every nook and cranny of the territory is an embarrassment to the government and the country," Wike said, urging families to take responsibility for their relatives who rely on street begging.

He had added that the FCT Administration was preparing to enforce the new directive starting from next week.

He said, "Yes, we are committed to improving infrastructure in Abuja, and security is a key focus. We cannot permit the presence of beggars throughout the area, as some may be involved in criminal activities or act as informants, which is particularly embarrassing for our territory and for visitors.

"We urge their families and relatives to assist in taking them off the streets. They have until Sunday to vacate the area," he further stated.