- Wike's comments during a recent event have sparked criticism and calls for protecting the rights of marginalised individuals
- Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) emphasises that socio-economic conditions should not lead to criminalisation
- The group demanded the withdrawal of Nyesom Wike's threat to arrest beggars in Abuja
The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, revoke his warning regarding the arrest of beggars in Abuja, warning that legal action could ensue if he does not comply.
This was disclosed on the group’s official X account, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, October, 23 where the group emphasised that individuals should not be criminalised based on their socio-economic conditions.
SERAP demands Wike withdraw threat to arrest beggars in Abuja
“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 criminalised for engaging in life-sustaining economic activities or because of their economic or social status,” SERAP stated.
The group urged the Minister to focus on creating opportunities for these individuals to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Recall that at the launch of the access road construction in the Katampe District in Abuja on Tuesday, October 22, Wike issued a warning about an impending crackdown on beggars, stating that enforcement officials would start arresting them from Monday onwards.
Wike declares war on beggars in Abuja
“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,” the FCT Minister stated.
Consequently, the organisation urged the Minister to prioritise the immediate enhancement of socio-economic rights for the marginalised population in the Federal Capital Territory.
SERAP urges Wike to offer opportunities instead of arrests for beggars
“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 marginalised 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,” SERAP stated.
SERAP threatens INEC chairman with lawsuit if electoral offenders are not prosecuted
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a warning to Chairman Mahmood Yakubu over non-compliance with a court ruling to prosecute offenders of electoral bribery during the 2023 elections.
The advocacy group cited ongoing electoral bribery and violence as detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.