“I do not care about what they say.”Beggars vc Government

Last week Tuesday, July 7, 2015, Kaduna state government banned street hawking and begging on major streets in the state capital and neighboring local government areas.

A statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s spokespersons stated that ‘’any beggar or hawker found on the streets will be arrested until these measures are relaxed.’’

The governor also reiterated that the ban on motorcycle (achaba) remains in force, and that the law would be strictly enforced in this regard.

To curb activities of terrorists in the state and also for security reasons, the state governor announced the ban after a bomb blast that killed 35 people and injured many in Sabon Gari local government secretariat in Zaria.
The beggars, in response threatened to sue government for defamation

Investigation conducted by Premium Times showed that the beggars took to the street on Monday showing no compliance with the order.

Beggars, hawkers and okada riders were seen along Isa Kaita Road, Ahmadu Bello Way and the popular Kawo Motor Park engaging in business as usual while Okada riders reportedly plied Unguwan Dosa, Kawo, Malali and Badarawa .

A beggar at Kawo who claimed to be aware of the pronouncement insisted he would not comply.
“I do not care about what they say,” he said. “All I know is I have to find something to eat and this is the only business I can do, begging.”

In spite of the attitude of the beggars, residents indicated they are in full support of the government’s ban.

Mohammed Garba, a resident of Unguwan Dosa, Kaduna insisted that the government should not hesitate in making sure that the ban is fully complied with.

“Street hawking, street begging should be stopped by all means.If you want to buy anything you can go to the markets and or shops located all over the streets.

“This little children that roam around the street begging are same people that criminals use to perpetrate their bad acts. Even the old beggars and handicapped are not to be trusted because many are caught peddling hard drugs and banned substances.”he said.