In response to Nyesom Wike’s decision to arrest beggars in Abuja, many comments have emerged, some supporting the initiative based on the beggars’ apparent health and attitudes. One comment stated, “You beat a child and expect him not to cry; the country’s hardship is real.”
While this reflects the harsh economic realities many face, it overlooks the complexity of the issue. Begging has persisted in Nigeria for decades, even during better times. Wike’s actions are justifiable, as they address a societal issue contributing to urban disorder. While economic hardships are real, allowing begging to continue is not a sustainable solution; instead, it calls for a broader approach to poverty alleviation.
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