Oyo moves to criminalise street begging
• Islamic scholar urges giving as panacea to poverty
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has hinted of plan by his administration to outlaw street begging in the state.Ajimobi made the disclosure yesterday at the second General Assembly of Muslim Umaah of South West, Nigeria in Ibadan.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ishmael Alli, the governor argued that there was no reason for anyone to resort to alms begging in the state, adding that some of the beggars had been involved in crimes, thereby increasing vices across the length and breadth of the state.
“We have heard now that Islam forbids begging, likewise government. We urge the media, law enforcement agencies and religious bodies to join government in discouraging it.
“The reason why government had embarked on many programmes such as the agricultural initiatives, is to get all its residents involved in decent endeavours and living,” he said.Ajimobi solicited support for government’s policies, saying they were for the benefit of all.
Meanwhile, an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Femi Abbas, has described Zakaah as a solution to the eradication of poverty in the society.Abbas, who delivered the event’s 2016 lecture titled “Zakaah and Poverty Alleviation,” blamed the increasing insecurity, corruption and other social vices in the land on poverty.
Zakaah, regarded as one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, prescribes that 2.5 per cent of a Muslim’s net income should be given to the poor. He, however, lamented the non-adherence to the injunction by most faithful.
“Zakaah is a necessity. It allows the imprisoned to be out of jail and the sick to be on their feet, “ the scholar said.
According to Abbas, “if the rich can give to the poor, both the rich and the poor in every society will co-exist peacefully.
“If Muslims in Nigeria can generate N34 billion on Zakaah every year, there will be less poverty and less begging,” he added.
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1 Comments
Nigerian politicians could be funny at times. How could u criminalise begging when the politicians are out there stealing our wealth and making us beggars?
Have u criminalise yourself and processes u took to get to power? Do u want to tell me those processes were not fraudulent? The volume of beggars on the streets only stands as parameters to measure how the government of that area or country has performed.
Please make one beggar a local Government chairman or Governor and see if he or she would or will beg again? is criminalisation the job creation you should have thought about?
Remember, these same people voted you, or have you forgotten when you were begging for their votes? But now they are beggar to you. How many Jobs have you sincerely created to absorbed the so call beggars?
My fellow Nigerians, it is time you forget the initial rice and kobo the politicians give you to get to power and always vote for the right person to avoid this kind of insult again. Please always vote right and safe your future.
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