SERAP tells Wike to withdraw threat to arrest beggars or face legal action

The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his threat to arrest beggars in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) or face legal action.

Earlier on Tuesday, Wike during a flag-off ceremony for road construction in the Katampe District of the FCT issued a stern warning to the street beggars.

He stated that the enforcement agents will commence apprehending beggars starting Monday, October 28, 2024 as part of efforts to address street begging in the FCT.

He stated, “we have declared war on begging in Abuja, as the city is rapidly becoming overrun with beggars.

“ I urge relatives of beggars to take responsibility for their family members, as enforcement agents will commence apprehending beggars next week.”

Wike stated that “the prevalence of street begging upon entry into the city is embarrassing and unacceptable.

“Some individuals masquerade as beggars with malicious intent, we won’t tolerate this.”

“Enjoy a temporary reprieve until Sunday; enforcement begins Monday.”

However, SERAP emphasized on its official X handle page on Wednesday that individuals’ socio-economic status should not warrant penalties, urging the minister to provide revitalizing opportunities for societal reintegration.

The post reads: “We demand that Minister Nyesom Wike instantly withdraw his purportedly unlawful threat to apprehend beggars in Abuja, lest he face legal repercussions.”

“Criminalization based on economic necessity or social status is unacceptable.”

“Rather than implementing punitive measures, Wike should provide beggars in Abuja with opportunities for social reintegration and rehabilitation, while upholding their dignity and human rights.”

“It is crucial that Wike addresses the underlying causes of poverty and ensures the protection of economic and social rights for marginalized individuals in Abuja.”

“Mr Wike must address the plight of those experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty in Abuja and not demonize and criminalize them.”

Know more about SERAP

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is a Nigerian non-governmental and non-profit organization that promotes transparency, accountability, and human rights in governance.

History

The SERAP was founded in 2004 by a group of Nigerian civil society activists, lawyers, and journalists.

Board of Trustees

Its Board of Trustees includes notable Nigerians such as Femi Falana (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and Prof. Itse Sagay.

Missions

SERAP aims to advance socio-economic rights, promote transparency and accountability, and support human rights in Nigeria.

Objectives

The organization seeks to promote transparency and accountability in government.

It also seeks to protect and promote socio-economic rights, support human rights and the rule of law and foster public participation in governance.

Focus Areas

The SERAP focuses on anti-corruption, economic and social rights, human rights, transparency and accountability, and governance and institutional reform.

Methods

The NGO operates through litigation (strategic lawsuits), advocacy and campaigns, research and publications, and community engagement and empowerment.

Programmes

The non-governmental organization engages in programmes like anti-corruption programme, economic and social rights programme, human rights programme and transparency and accountability programme.

Impact

The SERAP successfully sued the Nigerian government to disclose information on corruption cases.

Also, it secured judgments ordering the government to improve access to education and healthcare and advocated for reforms in the oil and gas sector.

Reports and Publications

The non-profit organization publishes annual reports on corruption and human rights in Nigeria, research papers on socio-economic rights and policy briefs on governance and institutional reform.

Partnerships

The SERAP is in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU), Ford Foundation and Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).

Awards

The NGO was awarded in the 2014 Ford Foundation’s Justice Innovation Award.

Also, in 2015 it received African Governance Platform’s (AGP) Civil Society Organization of the Year Award.

Contact

Email: info@serap-nigeria.org

Phone: +234 803 403 2355

Address: 17, Alhaji Kanike Street, Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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