By Isaac Kertyo
As part of measures to cushion the hardship effect of fuel subsidy removal on Benue people, the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has officially handed over 100 buses to Benue Links Transport Company to ease transport challenges.
Performing the ceremony at the premises of Benue Linked Nigeria Limited on Thursday, the Governor explained that Government arrived at the decision to purchase the buses as a palliative strategy to ameliorate the hardship following removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Governor Alia who underscored the importance of transportation to people of the state, noted that it will enhance economic growth, and charged management of the company to ensure that all drivers handling the buses are professionals.
The Governor lauded the management of Benue Links company for being proactive by identifying and opening new routes to many towns and villages across the state, describing it as a welcome development. He cautioned sabotours to stay away from Benue Links company or face full wrath of the law.
“It is our hope and expectations that more routes would be opened and fares dropped for interested passengers. There is no gain saying that transportation has become a necessity in the contemporary life, and it enhances economic growth. We purchased the buses as a palliative strategy to cushion the hardship effect of fuel subsidy removal.
As I hand over these buses, my appeal to the management of Benue Links is to ensure that all drivers handling them are qualified and professionals that are very dedicated. There should be very strict monitoring of activities with the view to checking arbitrary hikes in fares.”
The Governor commended, President Ahmed Tinubu, led Federal Government for introducing the palliatives, from which his administration has used to address transportation challenges in the state, stressing that the buses would ease transport challenges being face by Benue citizens.
Responding, the Acting General Manager Benue Links Transport company, Mr Alexander Fanafa, pledged to sustain the gesture of the state government by providing more buses for faster development. He lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia over procurement of the buses.
