The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) may sue Minister Nyesom Wike if he doesn’t retract the ultimatum to beggars in the FCT.
During the flag-off ceremony for the road construction in Katampe, Wike said the government will start arresting beggars in Abuja from next Monday.
SERAP, though, posted on their official X account on Wednesday that nobody should be punished for their socio-economic status.
The group told the minister to help the beggars get back on their feet instead.
However, SERAP said it would not hesitate to file a lawsuit against the minister if he implemented the threat.
SERAP to Sue Wike Over Ultimatum to FCT Beggars
The post reads…
“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.
“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,”
