Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has launched a new initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies on the residents of his state.
The program, which involves providing free transportation services, was officially inaugurated at the Rivers State Transport Company Complex in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara, speaking through his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, expressed his administration's recognition of the difficulties faced by the people as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.
He emphasised that the introduction of the free transport scheme was a fulfillment of the social contract between his government and the citizens of Rivers State, who had entrusted them with their mandate to govern.
The Commissioner for Transport, Jacobson Nbina, commended Governor Fubara for his initiative and revealed that a fleet of 17 luxury buses had been designated to ply various routes, providing free transportation services to the public.
He clarified that the programme was not limited to civil servants alone, as students and other residents of Rivers State would also benefit from this service.
"This free bus scheme will not only facilitate transportation for our citizens but also generate employment opportunities," stated Commissioner Nbina.
He explained that the employment of drivers, conductors, and maintenance personnel for the buses would contribute to the creation of additional job opportunities for the people of Rivers State.