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… Says Otu overhauling Cross River’s transport system to enhance economic growth
The Chairman of the Committee coordinating the Free Easter Transport Service, the second phase of the Free Transportation Initiative introduced by Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, has said that Cross Riverians are glad with the kind gesture of the governor.
Akiba, who is the Special Adviser to Otu on Special Duties had few days to Easter flagged off the Easter Free Bus Service on behalf of the governor to reduce the burden of transportation and cushion the effect of hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.
Speaking in an interview, Akiba, the young talented lawyer and astute politician, seen to be playing prominent roles in the pursuit of the actualization of the transformative and People-First agenda of Governor Otu, said: “For me, with this kind of scheme, the Free Easter Transport Service, it is obvious that His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu is doing everything possible to actualize his People-First agenda and fulfil every bit of the promises he made to the wonderful people of Cross River who freely and willingly gave him the mandate to govern the state as was reflected in the outcome of the 2023 governorship election in the state.
“This gesture of the governor is a confirmation of his passion and desire to cater for the needs of the people and make them happy. And indeed, Cross Riverians are very happy with what the governor is doing to put smiles on their faces.
“Interestingly, even members of the opposition are among those singing the praises of our amiable governor for his commitment towards ensuring a better welfare for Cross Riverians. While I was on air in a programme I was featured to talk about the Free Easter Transport Service, a PDP member who is quite impressed with the Free Easter Transport Service, called in and said I belong to PDP, but in line with the policy thrust of Governor Bassey Otu, which is people-oriented I have endorsed him for second term even though he is of the APC. For him, it is not about party but about what the governor is doing to transform the state and make life better for Cross Riverians.”
The Special Adviser on General Duties added that “His Excellency is reducing the burden of the people with the Free Easter Ride. Money they would have used to pay for transport is being channelled to other things. There are places you could spend as much as about N20,000 for you to travel within Cross River. Governor Otu is saving the people that stress through the Season of Sweetness free transport service.
“We have 60 free buses plying all the routes in the metropolis from 7am to 6pm daily. And then from Calabar to different parts of the state – Calabar to Ugep, Ikom, Ogoja, Obudu, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, etc. So, the free bus service is both intra-city and inter-city. There is also water transport by boat where Cross Riverians are transported for free.”
He noted that “The governor has demonstrated utmost zeal and commitment towards overhauling the transport system in Cross River State, knowing that transportation is very critical to economic growth and development. The importance of transportation in human endeavour cannot be overemphasized. Transportation is in the centre of all activities. That is why His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu is making serious efforts to enhance our transport system, constructing and repairing roads across the state, purchasing additional airplanes and taking measures to enhance our railway system.”
A similar gesture had been extended to Cross Riverians last December during the Christmas period, when Governor Otu launched the first phase of the Free Transportation Initiative designed to benefit the people at festive seasons.
