Nigerians have described the free bus initiative of the Cross River State government as a positive step towards the alleviation of the challenges linked to the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit popularly called ‘petrol’.
A cross section of Calabar residents in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria, said that floating the free transport service at a time when commuters were grappling with soaring prices of commodities was an indication of Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to the ‘People First’ agenda.
Martina Kanu, a hairdresser, said, “I am happy that Governor Bassey Otu has started the free bus service this Easter. Last time, I saved on transport fares, and now that I pay one thousand naira, it means greater savings for me. This is a good one.”
Another commuter, Daniel Effiong, said, ‘It is good that the government has flagged off another month of free bus services.’ The children are going on holiday this week, the financial pressure on parents would be intense. This initiative is an advantage for us at this time.”
Shortly after the flag-off ceremony, the deputy governor of the state, Dr Peter Odey, who represented the governor, said that the “Season of Sweetness Easter free transportation”, which is the fourth in the series, was a way to ease high fares across the state.
Dr Odey assured that the administration would sustain the policy as a flagship of the ‘People First’ agenda, saying, ‘We will continue to sustain this programme as it is people centred and has continued to draw awards and commendations from everywhere.’
“We assure you of your safety, no vehicle will break down in any way. All will take you to your destination even if you are travelling outside Calabar,” he assured.
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The deputy governor also announced that free boat services have been provided to ferry commuters from Calabar, the state capital, to Creek Town and other riverine communities.
He said passengers won’t be charged, and any violations should be reported: “If you enter any of the buses or boats and you are charged, call the number already fixed in the stickers, and we will take action for transportation within this period; it is free.”
Also speaking, the coordinator of the programme and Special Adviser on General Duties to the governor, Mr Ekpenyong Akiba, explained that it was imperative for the people to support the transport sector since it accounts for about 12 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Akiba explained that Governor Otu was focused on ensuring citizens enjoy democratic dividends in all sectors of the state’s economy.
He further explained that through the execution of people oriented projects such as investment in aviation, road construction and rehabilitation as well as the actualisation of the deep seaport, Governor Otu was bringing people closer to the ‘Season of sweetness’.
He said, “The Easter free transportation has a multiplying effect on both the drivers and the citizenry. We have modalities in place for monitoring of this programme to avoid compromise.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, urged citizens to protect government infrastructure since they were the direct beneficiaries and support the present administration to achieve more economic growth.
In the same vein, the Special Adviser on transport to the governor, Okon Ephraim, hinted, “Drivers are exempted from paying tolls during the period. Apart from the daily stipends, they are offered allowances as empowerment. There are also supervisors on each bus, who are paid allowances.
Responding to the gesture, the chairman of the Unified Drivers Association Cross River State chapter, Henshaw Nta, praised the governor for measures taken to cushion challenges in the sector.
About 55 buses have keyed into the free bus programme, while the service, including the boat transportation, is expected to operate from 7am to 7pm daily.