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Wike issues ultimatum for beggars to vacate Abuja streets
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given an October 27, 2024 ultimatum for beggars to vacate the streets of Abuja.
Raising concerns over the rising number of roadside beggars, Wike warned that anyone found begging after the deadline would be arrested by enforcement agents.
He expressed his concerns during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road to the new judges’ quarters in Katampe.
Wike emphasized that the increasing presence of beggars posed a security risk to the city, adding urgency to the need for orderliness in the capital.
He also referenced his recent decision to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for certain plots allocated to Julius Berger for the judges’ housing project. The revocation was intended to streamline the development of the project.
The FCT Minister noted that 70% of the funds for the construction of the 40-unit housing project had already been released, following its approval by the Federal Executive Council last month.
The housing units will be distributed across different courts: 20 units for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, alongside other dignitaries. The project is part of the broader effort to enhance infrastructure and security in Abuja.