Posted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has officially launched a free transportation intervention program to help residents cope with the loss of income caused by the elimination of fuel subsidies.
Governor Fubara, speaking at the Rivers State Transport Company Complex in Port Harcourt before the initiative was formally launched, expressed his administration’s awareness of and concern for the hardships resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The governor, who was represented by Professor Ngozi Odu, the state’s deputy governor, said that the implementation of the Free Transport Scheme was consistent with the social contract his administration had with the people of Rivers, who elected him to office.
The official of the Rivers State Government mass transit plan remarked, “I am truly very thrilled to perform the flag-off ceremony.
“The Rivers State Government recognizes the difficulties its citizens are having financially as a result of the elimination of the fuel subsidy, and it shares their concern.
As a result, the Rivers State Government has initiated this program today to help lessen the impact of the current economic downturn.
“Therefore, it is a gift given to us, and we must treasure it,” she said.
After praising Governor Fubara, State Commissioner for Transport Jacobson Nbina announced that seventeen luxury buses had been allocated to run various routes at no cost to passengers.
“Not only are government workers and students eligible for free rides, but so are all residents of the Rivers area.
The people of Rivers State will benefit in numerous ways from this project.
We plan on taking advantage of the free transportation since it will help our folks find work.
“We’ll be hiring drivers, conductors, and anybody else has to be hired to keep the car running well.
This is yet another job opportunity for the people of Rivers State made possible by His Excellency.
At the event, George Nwaeke, the Head of Service, expressed his satisfaction with the Governor’s delivery on his pledge to the labor leaders who had previously paid him a visit.
Nwaeke informed the governor that his office would work closely with the transportation ministry to make sure the program operated efficiently.