FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: Rivers Flags  Off Free Transport Intervention Scheme

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has flagged off a free transport intervention scheme to mitigate the economic challenges faced by residents of the State as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking during the flag-off at the Rivers State Transport Company Complex in Port Harcourt on Tuesday July 11, 2023, Governor Fubara said the State Government under his watch was aware and concerned by the difficulties the fuel subsidy removal has caused the populace which necessitated the decision to initiate the intervention.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu noted that the introduction of the Free Transport Scheme was in line with the social contract his administration has with the Rivers people who gave them the mandate to serve. “For us it will always be a promise made, and a promise kept “, the Governor stressed.

Governor Fubara applauded the immediate past Governor of the State for ensuring that seasoned administrators emerged as Governor and Deputy, adding that they will continue to work for the interest of the State.

He charged the operators of the buses to be committed and show due diligence to duties while calling on the public who are the end users of the free transport intervention scheme to see it as a gift and treasure it.

In his remarks the State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Jacobson Nbina who commended Governor Fubara for his kind gesture towards the People of the State, said 17 Luxury Buses which are designated to ply various routes will carry people free of charge.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke expressed delight that the Governor has fulfilled the promise he made to labour leaders who visited him a few weeks ago, stressing that his office will collaborate with the transport ministry to ensure the smooth operation of the scheme.

Earlier the Chairman Joint Negotiating Public Service Council of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comr. Emecheta Chuku, thanked the Governor for the honour done to the workers of the state, noting that the free transport scheme will not only cushion the effect of the subsidy removal but provide employment for Rivers people.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor,  has said his administration will be signing the contract for the construction of the single biggest project that will be undertaken by any State in Nigeria and that investors across various sectors are excited and ready for the derivable benefits.

Governor Fubara made this known on Tuesday shortly after inspecting deplorable sections of Degema Street, Harbour Road and Reclamation Road in the old Port Harcourt Township and the ascending section of the bridge connecting Dr. Peter Odili Road to Woji Town.

The governor noted that the Port Harcourt Ring Road, which will traverse six local government areas will be a legacy project that will decongest roads in the various localities within Port Harcourt and Obio Akpor Local Government Areas.

According to him: “When all these places are opened up, people including the real estate investors will start moving in there and businesses will open up because people have started acquiring land there. That is to tell you the importance of the road.”

Speaking about the remedial works on the failed sections of the inspected roads, Governor Fubara assured that permanent solutions are being worked out to ensure that the roads are permanently fixed.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara further inspected ongoing works at the Government Secondary School, Emohua and also had a stop-over at the failed portion of Rumuigbo Road.

He rounded off the inspection tour at Iloabuchi Road which will be part of the route for the Port Harcourt Ring Road project.