Vacate Abuja streets, Wike blows hot on beggars, issue ultimatum

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has set an October 27, 2024 deadline for beggars to leave the streets of Abuja.

Addressing the rising concern over the growing number of beggars, Wike warned that enforcement agents would arrest anyone found begging after the specified date.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road to the new judges’ quarters in Katampe, Wike emphasized the security risks posed by the increasing presence of beggars, stressing the need for orderliness in the capital city.

In the same address, Wike highlighted the revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for plots initially allocated to Julius Berger for the judges’ housing project, aimed at ensuring smooth development of the project. He confirmed that 70% of the funds for the 40-unit housing project had already been released after the Federal Executive Council approved it last month.

The project will distribute 40 housing units among different courts: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. The initiative forms part of Wike’s broader effort to enhance infrastructure and security in Abuja.