By Muhammad Sani Muazu
The League of Northern Democrats has issued a strong appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, urging him to reconsider his recent directive to remove individuals, often referred to as “beggars,” from the streets of Abuja. The group emphasized that many of these individuals are not beggars by choice but are displaced victims of insecurity, violence, and economic hardship from the northern states, driven by poor governance and inadequate protection from both federal and state governments.
In a letter addressed to the FCT Minister on October 24, 2024, the group outlined the complex circumstances behind the presence of displaced persons on the streets of the capital. The letter pointed out that many of these individuals, particularly women and children, have fled from violence and banditry in states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Borno, and Niger. According to the League, these vulnerable citizens are now being threatened with further displacement without any plan for their rehabilitation or reintegration.
The League criticized the government’s approach as lacking compassion and understanding of the deeper issues causing displacement. “They are not beggars by choice, but victims of insecurity and poor governance,” the letter stated. It added that the affected individuals should be treated with dignity and provided with the necessary support to return to their homes or resettle.
Dr. Umar Ardo, speaking on behalf of the League, stressed that forcibly removing displaced persons from the streets without addressing the root causes of their predicament violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations. He cited Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the security and welfare of all citizens, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protects individuals from persecution and forced displacement.
The League of Northern Democrats outlined several key measures that they believe should be implemented to address the plight of displaced individuals in Abuja. First, they called on the federal government to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria, which has been a major cause of displacement. The League emphasized that the National Security Adviser must fulfill his responsibilities in securing the affected communities, as peace and security are essential for any meaningful reintegration of displaced persons back into their home states.
Additionally, the League urged the federal government to address the nation’s worsening economic conditions, which have compounded the challenges faced by displaced individuals. They highlighted the need for the National Economic Council to take urgent steps to improve the economy and provide meaningful opportunities for citizens, thereby reducing the number of people forced into displacement due to economic hardship.
The League also recommended that the federal government formally direct state governors to create comprehensive reintegration plans for displaced persons. These plans should include immediate humanitarian aid, psychosocial support to help victims cope with trauma—especially widows and orphans—and livelihood opportunities to empower them economically. The League stressed that without such support, these vulnerable individuals may remain dependent on external aid indefinitely.
Furthermore, the League called for the establishment of social welfare committees in the affected northern states. These committees would be tasked with managing the reintegration process, ensuring that displaced families receive adequate relief, housing, and education for their children. The League particularly emphasized the need for strong support systems for widows who have lost their spouses to violence.
Finally, the League proposed the creation of a joint taskforce consisting of representatives from the federal government, state governments, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. This body would oversee the resettlement process, ensuring that displaced persons receive the necessary care and protection as they transition back to their communities or are integrated into new environments. The League insisted that a coordinated and humane approach is essential for solving the crisis and upholding Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and social justice.