Even the harshest of Jang’s critics agree that he will leave a befitting legacy for Plateau state when he leaves office. On several instances, people have compared his developmental strides to that of the late visionary leader –Joseph Gomwalk. And in my opinion, he has aspired towards those lofty heights, even though I think it would be anachronistic to compare the two. For the sake of argument however, we can say without equivocation that Jang stands a mile ahead of all the past Plateau state governors put together (except of course J D Gomwalk who is in a class of his own).

Jang’s achievements span several areas of the economy, including infrastructure, agriculture and the health sectors. His name is indeed “written in the stars” and will be remembered for generations to come. For instance new infrastructure projects have been commissioned and completed in all local government areas including new overhead bridges, dualized road networks, and buildings. Amazingly, his tenure has been devoid of the usual corruption charges that had dogged and blighted past administrations. He appears to have a unique penchant for maintaining a squeaky clean image, giving the impression of a wise old man who is calm, resolute, fastidious, transparent and prudent.

Unfortunately, the recent revelations about SURE-P funds mis-management which came to fray this week may tarnish that great legacy and “squeaky clean” image if care is not taken. The revelations first came to light when the leadership of the House of Assembly decided to probe the implementation of the SURE-P project in Plateau State. That decision, and the subsequent actions and counter-actions sent ripples through the leadership of the state, necessitating the release of two “damage control” statements. The first by the House of Assembly member representing Jos South (Mr. Dalyop Mancha) and the second by the Hon. Commissioner of Information and Communication (Mr. Abraham Yiljap). They all sought to provide clarity on the issue and dispel rumours. However from an independent observer’s point of view, I can say that these statements at best seem confused, devoid of any substance and appear to do even more harm than good.

Even the harshest of Jang’s critics agree that he will leave a befitting legacy for Plateau state when he leaves office. On several instances, people have compared his developmental strides to that of the late visionary leader –Joseph Gomwalk. And in my opinion, he has aspired towards those lofty heights, even though I think it would be anachronistic to compare the two. For the sake of argument however, we can say without equivocation that Jang stands a mile ahead of all the past Plateau state governors put together (except of course J D Gomwalk who is in a class of his own).

Jang’s achievements span several areas of the economy, including infrastructure, agriculture and the health sectors. His name is indeed “written in the stars” and will be remembered for generations to come. For instance new infrastructure projects have been commissioned and completed in all local government areas including new overhead bridges, dualized road networks, and buildings. Amazingly, his tenure has been devoid of the usual corruption charges that had dogged and blighted past administrations. He appears to have a unique penchant for maintaining a squeaky clean image, giving the impression of a wise old man who is calm, resolute, fastidious, transparent and prudent.

Unfortunately, the recent revelations about SURE-P funds mis-management which came to fray this week may tarnish that great legacy and “squeaky clean” image if care is not taken. The revelations first came to light when the leadership of the House of Assembly decided to probe the implementation of the SURE-P project in Plateau State. That decision, and the subsequent actions and counter-actions sent ripples through the leadership of the state, necessitating the release of two “damage control” statements. The first by the House of Assembly member representing Jos South (Mr. Dalyop Mancha) and the second by the Hon. Commissioner of Information and Communication (Mr. Abraham Yiljap). They all sought to provide clarity on the issue and dispel rumours. However from an independent observer’s point of view, I can say that these statements at best seem confused, devoid of any substance and appear to do even more harm than good.

For the benefit of those who may not know what SURE-P stands for, I shall attempt to explain: SURE-P stands for Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, it was constituted on February 13th 2012 by President Goodluck Jonathan to mitigate the impact of the petroleum subsidy discontinuation on the poor and vulnerable in the country.

The 2012 Budget for the SURE programme was ₦180 billion nationwide, with approximately ₦5 Billion as accrued funds for Plateau state. The funds were meant to be spent on programmes such as Maternity and Child Health (MCH), Community Services/Women and Youth Employment (CWYE), Urban Mass transit, Vocational Training Schemes, Water and agriculture projects, FERMA Preventive Roads Maintenance Programme, Roads and bridges, Rail transport projects and ICT.

Now back to my argument; given that the SURE-P programme has been kicked off successfully in most states of the federation, with several of these states reporting gains and improvements in the lives of their youth and citizenry. One wonders why Plateau state has not undertaken any projects. The North East geo-political zone for example reported that 21,000 new jobs were created for its youth and women using their share of the SURE-P funds, see the link at {http://allafrica.com/stories/201307170309.html}.

Also, Niger state has proposed up to 116 projects for which SURE-P funds will be spent on –these include youth training projects, farming initiatives and a raft of other laudable projects. See the link at {http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/niger-sure-p-to-spend-n482m-on-116-projects/}. But Plateau state has not started its projects and one would again ask the question, what is Plateau state waiting for if the funds are truly intact? Are these funds just meant to sit in a bank account? Are there no youth in the state who can benefit from the use of the said funds?

In Ekiti state, over 3000 youths have been paid monthly stipends (totally up to N30 million) to enable them kick start their lives. See the link at: {http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/07/01/3000-sure-p-beneficiaries-receive-n30million-monthly-stipend-in-ekiti/}. Again I ask –does Plateau state not have youth who need financial assistance?

Even though Jang ranks as one of the finest governors that Plateau state has ever produced –and his legacy with live after him, I believe that when truth needs to be said, it should be said no matter whose ox is gored. I am of the impression that some mis-guided elements within his administration may be trying to derail his legacy, through financial impropriety. And Jang needs to rise up and put an end to the diabolical activities of these individuals before they tarnish his image.

The entire saga has left Plateau people flabbergasted and perplexed –requiring answers to key questions: such as where is the said money held? In whose account is the money lodged (is the person accruing interest?). Why is there no frame work or blue-print for implementing projects in Plateau? Why is it that the chairman of the implementation committee has not come out to provide clarification about the whereabouts of the funds? Plateau people need answers to these questions and the government owes its citizens a response.

It is simply not enough for the Commissioner of Information and Communication to make press releases saying that the money is intact and that it can be traced via e-banking. How about the time wasted in not using the money? Does the commissioner not realise that time in itself is money? If other states have already benefited and Plateau is lagging behind, does that not disadvantage our citizens? We are keenly watching!

By Nanven Jatau

Note: the views expressed in this article are strictly those of the writer and do not represent the opinions of ViewPointNigeria

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SURE-P: Has Commissioner of Information Abraham Yiljap told the truth and nothing but the truth?