Beggars threaten to sue el-Rufai!

Beggars in their hundreds on Saturday took to the streets in Kaduna , threatening to take legal action against the State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai over ban of street begging and alleged defamation of their character as terrorists.

Governor el-Rufai as part of security measures had on last Tuesday after Zaria blast that killed scores, announced ban on street hawking and begging and arrest of anyone found on the streets.

The beggars who stormed the Kaduna State Council secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), said the governor’s ban is a way of calling them terrorists hence the need to take legal action against the Governor for defamation and to seek redress.

They dared the Governor saying they will remain on the streets until the government gets them gainful employment.

They insisted they have the constitutional right to stay wherever they wish to stay saying until their demands are met, the government should prepare for a battle.

The beggars expressed regret on why they voted Malam Nasir el-Rufai in the just concluded election and only for him to pay them back with the ban on beggars in the state.

They gave the government three days to rescind its decision.

The state government however said the decision was in the best interest of the state.

‎A statement by the media aide of the Governor, Samuel Aruwan said, “As painful as it could be or misrepresented, the decision was taken in the best interest of our citizens and government appreciates support from all sections of the state regarding the reality of our security situation”.