Rivers APC Guber candidate, Tonye Cole has reacted to the palliative buses recently unveiled by the state government to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

Cole in a statement Today said government initiatives should not focus solely on upland urban areas but must also cater for the unique needs of the riverine areas.

He said while the provision of buses is commendable, free boat services should also be provided for those in the riverine areas.

His statement reads,

My people,

As I perused the latest article detailing the Governor’s newly rolled-out free bus transport scheme for Rivers residents, I couldn’t help but be concerned by what was glaringly omitted.

While it is commendable to provide public transportation, free or otherwise, as a significant benefit for urban dwellers, what about our fellow citizens residing in the riverine communities? Are they not affected by the subsidy removal or are they not deserving of ‘palliatives’ and succor?

Their primary means of transport are boats, not buses. A journey from PH to Abisse, Elem Sangama, Bille or Soku is not undertaken with canoes paddled by men and women but flying boats powered by petrol engines.

This highlights an unfortunate oversight in the Governor’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to development. Our state’s strength lies in its diverse landscape and communities, from urban centers to riverine areas. It’s time our policies reflected this diversity.

Government initiatives should not focus solely on upland urban areas but must also cater to the unique needs of our riverine counterparts.

So, while we appreciate the free bus transport, let’s also discuss free boat services. Let this administration show they mean well for their riverine citizens by announcing initiatives and other essential projects for our riverine communities.

Let’s advocate for an all-embracing development strategy, one that caters to all, leaving no one behind. Our unity and diversity are our true strength.