Akau Confirms Winding Down of SURE-P, Sack of Staffs
Scheme may not be extended
The Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SUREP), Dr. Ishaya Dare Akau has confirmed that the programme is winding down and may not be extended beyond 2015 by the federal government except President Muhammadu Buhari decides against it.
Akau disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while playing host to a team led by the Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri in his office.
He noted that his appointment was like chairman of a closing ceremony and explained that the committee was set up to operate from 2012 to 2015, after which a decision would have to be taken by the new administration on the way forward.
Akau therefore confirmed THISDAY exclusive report that SURE-P Secretariat had embarked on sack of staff and a speedy winding down of its programmes and activities towards the May 29 hand over to a new administration in anticipation that it may not feature in President Buhari led government.
The SURE-P chairman stressed that though the ongoing projects would be supervised and delivered.
He said: "I am happy you realised that we have almost come to the end of the road, but I believe if there is any reason to continue particularly some of these community programme, I believe that the organisation should be able to partner with such a viable structure that you have (NOA).
"I will very humbly say to you that as at this moment there is very little assurance that it will be extended. As I said, all we are doing now is to ensure that the ongoing projects are supervised and delivered.”
He pointed out that the success of SURE-P would be determined by the people of Nigeria, while emphasising that its achievements from day one had been documented, and would be made available.
Earlier, Omeri said the agency had seen some of the programmes initiated by SURE-P which he said had changed the lives of the people, especially the youths.
He stated that the agency would bring its expertise into play and advise government appropriately, noting that the country can't afford to go the same way again on the issue of fuel.