Increased presence of Scavengers, Beggars poses Security threat in FCT, says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the increasing rate of scavengers, beggars and homeless people in FCT is posing serious security threat to residents.

Wike, in a counter affidavit filed in opposition to the case instituted on behalf of some vulnerable FCT residents, told Justice James Omotosho to dismiss the N500 million suit in its entirety.

The minister, who made this known in the counter affidavit deposed to by Saidu Abdulkadir, an officer in the Legal Services Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and a copy sighted by NAN, said begging is not a trade known to law.

The aggrieved residents, through a lawyer, Abba Hikima, had sued Wike and the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police as 1st and 2nd respondents, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

Hikima, who is the applicant, also joined the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Federal Government of Nigeria as 3rd to 6th respondents respectively.

The minister said many of the “purported scavengers” have been arrested in the various acts of vandalising private and public property and in most cases serve as spies to kidnappers, criminals and terrorist organisations.

Besides, Wike argued that the increasing presence of the homeless people and beggars, setting up makeshift shelters on the streets, corners and under bridges within the FCT without approval from him, goes against the developmental laws of the FCT and poses security threats to the lives and property of other residents of FCT.

“The said homeless people who reside and sleep on public roads and under the bridges without any proper form of toilet system, rely heavily on open urination and defecation which liters the streets of Abuja and threatens the environment and health of fellow citizens within the FCT.”

He said it is a violation of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Act,1997 for the applicant or any person to erect or construct any house, shed, kiosk or any other structure on an unauthorised place or in contravention of any plan or design, whether general or particular as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority.

“The appropriate authority under the AEPB Act, 1997 is the 1st respondent,” he said.

He said it is a violation of the AEPB Act, 1997 for the applicant or any person to urinate or defecate in an unauthorised or open place and that it is his responsibility to enforce the Abuja Master Plan.

“The Abuja Master Plan is organised in an orderly manner with provision for every sector of the economy.

“There are provisions for residential areas, business areas, religious and market places amongst others.

“As such, selling/hawking on the streets of Abuja other than the allocated market or commercial structures goes clearly against the FCT Master Plan and the AEPB Act 1997,” he said.

According to him, the overwhelming presence of street beggars and hawkers within the FCT/City Centre defaces and degrades the serenity of the FCT/City Centre and also poses great security threat.

The minister said he also has the responsibility to execute the Federal Environmental Protection Act, and to address the welfare and social needs of the residents of the FCT.

He said in line with the relevant laws, the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the FCTA was established in 2004 for the promotion of the social wellbeing of the FCT residents and protection of the rights of the vulnerable, indigent, aged and destitutes.

He said in view of the above, the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari was established to train and equip these vulnerable individuals with skills to help them become self-dependent.