El-Rufai replies beggars, says rehabilitation window still open

El-Rufai replies beggars, says rehabilitation window still open

//Godwin Ekosin, Kaduna//

Following the warning protest embarked upon by people with disability in Kaduna State, the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reiterated that rehabilitation opportunity will be offer to them.

The Governor also distanced himself from enforcement by security operatives in the State who are preparing for the regional security summit, saying the State government has not started enforcing the prohibition of begging and hawking.

This was contained in a statement signed by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan on Thursday night.

The statement added that the prohibition of begging law will not take effect until after 60 days.

The statement read in part, “It is the police that is currently undertaking arrests within Kaduna as part of security operations directed by the Inspector General of Police.

“The Kaduna State Government has not directed the police to enforce the begging law, which is not due to come into force yet. Malam Nasir El-Rufai has repeatedly stated that rehabilitation opportunities would be offered for 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.

“However, the Kaduna State Government is not in a position to impede security operations that are adjudged necessary by the security agencies.

“As part of preparations for the regional security summit, the Police Commands of States within the neighborhood of 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 police actions have nothing to with the Kaduna State Government. The government is engaging with the police on behalf of all residents of the state, including the disabled, for a proper management of the situation.

“The Kaduna State Government wishes to appeal for calm.”

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