Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s government has returned a female beggar allegedly constituting a nuisance in Asaba, Delta, to her home state Anambra, denying any forceful expulsion. The Delta government, however, accused other governors of “returning” Delta indigenes from their states.

“It is necessary to state that other states in the country have returned some of our citizens to us at different times and still do. It is a normal routine that should not be politicised because it bothers on serious humanitarian service,” The chief press secretary to the governor, Olisa Ifeajika, said in a statement on Sunday.

He stated that the 32-year-old Ogochukwu Nwabude, who always carried a baby, stayed at the Inter Bau Roundabout on Asaba-Okpanam Road for about two weeks begging for alms.

He contended that the insinuations in some quarters that Mr Okowa or the Delta government expelled the woman were most uncharitable but admitted, “We provided her with some assistance and returned her to her state of origin to ensure that she is properly re-integrated into society.”

According to Mr Ifeajika, officials of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development conducted a check on the woman and “after observing her for a period, it was revealed that she was stable and of sound mind” but needed financial help.

“Moved by her need, and as with standard procedure in handling such matters, the ministry gave her some assistance, especially as she was with a baby. Thereafter, it returned her to its counterpart Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Anambra for necessary support,” he added.

Mr Ifeajika explained that the measure was a routine activity on similar cases, which often transpired among states in the country and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Anambra state government was grateful to its Delta counterpart for the effort and promptly began the process of assistance to the woman. The Delta government acted in good faith and within the ambit of regulations, which the Anambra government acknowledged with gratitude,” he stated.

(NAN)