Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
As part of measures to tackle the prevailing insecurity challenges, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has warned beggars to vacate the streets of Abuja or face swift evacuation from Monday, next week.
In particular, Wike revealed that his administration will declare war against street begging and other vices that fuel insecurity in the nation’s capital.
Making this disclosure yesterday, during the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of access road to the Judges Quarters in Katampe, the minister noted the activities of street beggars were not just embarrassing to the seat of power, but serious security concern.
According to him, the beggars have until the end of this Sunday (next five days) to leave streets or move out of the FCT.
“In terms of security, let me say clearly now, we have declared war. Abuja is turning into a beggars’ city. If you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the road, tell them, from next week, we will take them out.
“I mean, it is embarrassing that people who come in, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not be beggars.
“ They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that. So I’m giving a public order from now till Sunday. From Monday, we will pack them out. Let us know that we have a city that we can call a city. It’s very embarrassing.
“We are fighting insecurity and people will carry plates as if they are begging. Maybe they will be informants. So please, have it at the back of your mind. That is not only infrastructure.
“ We want to give you good security so you can sleep well with your two eyes closed”, he stressed.
Meanwhile, speaking on the construction of access road to the Judges Quarters, the minister gave the contractor seven months to ensure the completion of the project, as it is part of the projects marked for mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
He said: “What we agreed is that this will be part of the second year anniversary of Mr. President. So October next year is not the anniversary.
“The anniversary is May, June. So that 12 months, this is for you. It is not for us. What we agreed is this will be part of presidential second year anniversary.”
Performing the flag-off exercise, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, noted that the construction of road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.
Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu also pointed that Abuja, with its unique status as the seat of government, the development of infrastructure is not only an economic necessity but also a reflection of our national aspirations.
He said: “In the Federal Capital Territory, with its unique status as the seat of government, the development of infrastructure is not only an economic necessity but also a reflection of our national aspirations.
“It is common knowledge that Nigeria, like many other developing nations, has an infrastructure deficit. According to recent estimates, Nigeria needs to invest about $3 trillion over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.
“ The road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.
“Here in Abuja, the infrastructure deficit is more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of 5%. This puts pressure on existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, housing, and essential services to cater to the needs of residents.”
He therefore commended the FCT Minister and his team for its transformative leadership since assuming office, saying he has hit the ground running by initiating projects that address the critical needs of city.
According to him: “From road construction to urban renewal programmes, his dedication to enhancing the infrastructure of the FCT is evident. We have witnessed several flag-offs, not just as ceremonial acts, but as milestones in the commitment to make Abuja a world-class city.
“The ongoing rehabilitation of major roads, the clearing of illegal structures, and the focus on environmental sustainability are all testaments to the Honourable Minister’s vision of an Abuja that is not only beautiful but functional and efficient.
“I am confident that with the completion of this access road and other ongoing projects, residents and visitors alike will experience the positive impacts of these developments.”
