Monumental Fraud In Kaduna State: Assemblymen, Local Government Chairmen, Steal, Squander SURE-P Funds

Local government chairmen and members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly are helping themselves to funds of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in the state.

A lawyer handling the briefs of some concerned citizens in the State said that some citizens have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about the monumental fraud and stealing.  The lawyer, who is also an indigene of the state, said the SURE-P funds are being shared on the basis of political patronage, contrary to the aims of the programme as claimed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

On the methodologies being employed by members of the House of Assembly with Local council chairmen, he gave the example of one of his clients who told him that the Majority Leader, Hon. Umar David Gurara, who represents Kachia constituency, was the house's deal cutter.
“Hon. David was said to be one of the few to have pocketed his share before others because his Local Government Chairman, his clone, is too spineless to resist his master,” he said.  “Others gave certain percentages but couldn't dole out 10% like Hon. Gurara's chairman. The entire formula of how the committee was agreed to be formed was disregarded by most LGA Chairmen, just to have a smooth way of stealing people's money.”
The lawyer added that the office of the State Governor has been inundated with complaints and petitions from people on how the SURE-P funds are being handled. “Reports reaching us show that the Governor is reluctant to act because of the involvement of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and some of his closest aides in the scam. Above all, he is afraid to act because of his involvement in unconstitutional spending of monies in the Joint Account.  It is now time for anti graft agencies to swoop in to save the people of Kaduna State from this fraud that is denying them dividend of democracy.”
Taking a look at the overall picture in the state, he noted, “The present local government Chief Executives in Kaduna State were elected in December 2012 for a two years mandate. They took oath of office immediately. With the same alacrity they instituted their councils and assigned portfolios in January 2013.  Local Governments are the third layer of authority that is the closest to the people. It's often argued, that it is the most important government to a poor man. After the 70s unification decree, Local Governments across the country acquired similar scope in terms of functions. Six months down the line, mandate givers in Kaduna State are yet to begin to reap dividends of democracy in terms of embarking on developmental projects in areas the constitution and various house of assembly bills allowed. For a while now, the Council bosses have come under sharp criticism from the people, and rights and good governance advocates. They have been whispering and also complaining of the State Government's control over their funds coming from the Federation under what is called Joint Accounts. And delay of passing of their budget by Kaduna State House of Assembly.”

He further pointed out that since the election of members of the House last year, it was only last week that the House passed its budget, and that it has yet to be signed by the Governor.  “However, despite their complaints, the chairmen were given new 407 Peugeot Cars and Hilux pick up. Two weeks ago ALGON Chairman Hon. Yusuf Akuso Danjuma and some of his colleagues and some Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Local Government went on a 10 day jamboree in the United States with taxpayers monies under a fake conference.”