Kaduna State Governor El-Rufai denies arresting beggars, hawkers

Nasir El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has denied rumours that the state has started the enforcement of the law prohibiting begging and hawking.He said the law will not take effect until after 60 days.

A statement by the Media Aide to the Governor, Mallam Samuel Aruwan, added that the police is currently arresting suspected criminals within Kaduna as part of security operations directed by the Inspector General of Police.

According to him: “The Kaduna State government has not directed the police to enforce the begging law, which is not in force yet. Malam Nasir El-Rufai has repeatedly stated that opportunities for rehabilitation would be offered to the disabled. The State Executive
Council has just approved a Disability Policy, which is a necessary precursor to the drafting of any bill or other measures to promote the rights of the disabled.”

He also remarked that: “The Kaduna State government is not in a position to impede security operations that are adjudged necessary by the relevant agencies. As part of preparations for the regional security summit, the police commands of states within Abuja, which includes Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa states and the FCT, are undertaking security operations.

“This includes actions to remove street beggars, hawkers and all abandoned vehicles along the major roads. These actions have nothing to with the Kaduna State government. The government is engaging the police on behalf of all residents of the state, including the disabled, for proper management of the situation.”

He added that: “The Kaduna State government wishes to appeal for calm.
It commends the people for the orderly response to the fuel price adjustment by the Federal Government, and requests their continued patience until the supply of petroleum products to improves.”