Wike Issues October 27 Ultimatum to Beggars in Abuja

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given an ultimatum to beggars to vacate the streets of Abuja by October 27.

Wike made this announcement during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road to the newly inaugurated judges’ quarters in Katampe.

The minister warned that those who fail to comply with the directive risk being arrested by enforcement officers. He raised concerns about the increasing number of people on the streets, which he said poses a security threat to the capital city.

Earlier in the week, Wike revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of some plots of land allocated to Julius Berger, the German construction company, in the Katampe District. The minister has been active in addressing land and security issues in the FCT.

The flag-off ceremony for the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in Abuja was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

Wike also announced that 70% of the funds for the project had been released following approval by the Federal Executive Council last month. Of the 40 housing units to be constructed, 20 will go to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal