Subsidy Removal: Rivers govt rolls out free Bus Scheme for commuters

By evangelist.com.ng edition, Wednesday July 12, 2023.

The Governor of Rivers State, Simijialayi Fubara, on Tuesday, flagged off a free bus transport scheme for intrastate transportation for commuters in the state.
The scheme is part of the administration’s interventions to cushion the high cost of living in the state occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

Fubara, whose Deputy Prof Ngozi Odu represented, unveiled the 17 luxury buses in Port Harcourt to convey commuters on designated major routes in the state capital and beyond, fulfilling a promise made to organised labour weeks ago.
He noted that his administration was aware of the challenges faced by the populace as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Consequently, this scheme flagged off today is a deliberate intervention of the Rivers government to mitigate the effects of the economic challenges.

“We charge operators of these buses to be committed, dedicated and show due diligence in the operation and maintenance of these buses, same way we call on the public, end users of this scheme to conduct selves in decorum to ensure maximum benefit from the opportunity.

“We owe you, the Rivers people, what is happening today because you voted for us and gave us the mandate to lead your government. This is a gift from the government you elected. And many more gifts will come your way.”

Comrade Emecheta Chuku, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Rivers State, while speaking on behalf of organised labour said, “What surprises me about this intervention is the urgency of it. When we met him (the governor), he assured me he would do it, but I had thought this project would take the next six months to be accomplished.

“To show how committed and sensitive the governor is to the working class, he has made it possible in a very short time. In this project’s multiplier effect, Rivers people will use the free buses, and drivers, conductors, and maintenance crew will be employed. We will remain grateful to the governor. (TRIBUNE).