By Agbo Amauche, Abalaliki
Ebonyi State Government has flagged off 3 number 100-seater buses for the free transport scheme for workers and students aimed to cushion the challenges of removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government which has increase the cost of transport and general cost of living.
Flagging off the exercise at Udensi round about, Abakaliki, the State Government through the Commissioner for works and transport Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam said government was aware and concerned of the difficulties the fuel Subsidy has caused the populace, which necessitated the decision to initiate the intervention programme.
He noted the free transport scheme was in fulfillment of the present administration’s People’s Charter of Needs manifesto to make things better for the people of the state and described governor Nwifuru as talk and do governor.
He said: “Now, you can see today we have gathered to flag off free transport services in the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal in the transport sector. I want to place it on record that this is 100-Seater Buses.
“It is Free…Free…Free.. Transport initiative. No payment of a dime, it is the responsibility of government to take care of the maintenance of these buses. All you need to do is to keep enjoying it”, he stated,
On his part, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Transport, Fred Nwogbaga said “let me add that the students and workers of Ebonyi State University will benefit from the transport scheme.
“This Luxury buses is designated for different destinations. The Staffs of Centenary City, will also benefit from the free initiative. The students from FUNAI and College of Education will benefit too.
“You can imagine transport to FUNAI which cost a student about N1,000, how about somebody that has up to three children or workers spending such money is not a small thing. Students that are spending N500 per day, today they will not experience such.
“I want to thank Governor Francis Nwifuru for his benevolence, The bus is for all, both students and civil servants going to the designated routes,
“We made sure we put everything in place, the company that supplied this buses have assured us that they are coming to establish a workshop in Ebonyi State to take care of the vehicles.
The special assistant to the Governor on students affairs Hon. Joshua Nwafor and SUG President of Ebonyi State University, Oshim Tobias Nkwegu commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for the initiative and his policies and programmes which they said have positive impact on the people of the state.
Oshim “Seeing the financial burden that the fuel subsidy removal has laid on the students, now students who don’t have money can go to school without having to pay a dime.
“It has never happened before, this is the first of its kind in the country. Apart from this, Governor Nwifuru has ensured that the Internet/wiffy in EBSU is working.
“We are expecting more from him, just like Oliver Twist more is needed. We assure His Excellency that we represent him in our own units to ensure that the People Charter of Needs is well dispensed”, he stated.
Meanwhile, The buses immediately commenced operation conveying workers and students from Abakaliki to Permanent Site of the state University(EBSU), Ezzamgbo, from Abakaliki to Ikwo, from Abakaliki to Centernary City, new government house, AE-FUNIA and other places in the state
Meanwhile, some of the students and workers including Mrs Nwome Victoria, David Nwaneka, Michael Otu among others applauded Governor for the kind gesture and assured him of their total support for the realization of his people’s charter of needs agenda in the State.