Subsidy: Fubara Rolls Out Free Bus Transport for Rivers Residents

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has rolled out free passenger buses for intrastate transportation of Rivers State people as part of his administration’s interventions to cushion the high cost of living posed by fuel subsidy removal.

Fubara has also said that his administration would be signing the contract for the construction of the Port Harcourt ring road, which he said would traverse six local government areas of the state.

Fubara said that the ring road is “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.”

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

Fubara noted that the Port Harcourt’s ring road would be a legacy project that would decongest roads in the various localities within Port Harcourt and Obio Akpor Local Government Areas.

He said: “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 on the free buses for commuters in the state, Fubara noted that his administration is “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 Rivers government to mitigate effects of the economic challenges.”

The governor, who was represented by the River State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, at the unveiling of 17 luxury buses in Port Harcourt to convey commuters on designated major routes in the state capital and beyond in fulfillment of a promise made to organised labour weeks ago.

He said: “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.

“For us (government) we owe you (Rivers people) what is happening today because you voted 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.”

Speaking on behalf of organised labour, Mr. Emecheta Chuku, said that “what surprises me about this intervention is the urgency of it. When we met him (Fubara), he assured he was going to do it, but I had thought this was a project that would take the next six 

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