EXCLUSIVE: South-East Residents Groan Over Low Impacts Of SURE-P

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State Monday, October 20th, 2014

From Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

Residents of South- Eastern Nigeria have called on the Federal government to as a matter of urgency probe how the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme SURE-P funds released to various states in the zone since inception are utilized.

Some of the concerned citizens of the geo political zone who spoke to AFRICAN EXAMINER correspondent on condition of anonymity, regretted that none of the states in the region have embarked on any serious project with the huge amount they have received from the coffers of the federal government under the programme.

According to them, instead of utilising the funds prudently, by using it to empower the teeming unemployed youths of various states in the zone, the powers that be in the area are diverting the money to take their care of their relatives and political associates.

“As I speak to you, no meaningful thing has been achieved with the so called SURE-P money in any part of the south east states” said an aggrieved woman from Imo state.

“The highest achievement of the programme I have seen in the south east, is the engagement of few young boys and girls who sweep the major roads”

“Most of the states don’t even have functional contact offices, whereas, they receive substantial amount to run the programme”

An Awka based capentar, Mr. James Okolo, said there was need for Federal government to review the journey so far in the SURE-P programme, because it has not really achieved the goal for which it was put in place.

Most Ebonyi state residents who also spoke to AFRICAN EXAMINER said they were not aware if the programme existed in the state, saying if it does, it should be only at the government house.

However, many respondents in the zone, advocated the handing over, or involvement of religious organizations in managing the programme, stressing that it is the only way the less privileged in the society could benefit from the lofty idea which has been hijacked by politicians.