In what many residents have described as a swift and people-focused response to growing economic concerns, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has officially launched the Easter edition of the state’s free transport scheme in Calabar under the “Season of Sweetness” initiative.
The move comes shortly after a Tribune report highlighted mounting calls from residents for government intervention following the sharp rise in fuel prices, which had significantly increased transportation costs across the state. The governor’s decision to roll out the free bus service has been widely interpreted as a direct response to those concerns, reinforcing his reputation as a leader attentive to the needs of the people.
The initiative, flagged off in Calabar on Monday, 30th March, 2026, will provide free transportation across major routes within the capital city and extend to surrounding communities and local government areas. It is designed to ease the financial burden on residents during the Easter festivities, while also enhancing mobility, strengthening social ties, and boosting commercial activities.
Coordinator of the programme and Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, had earlier hinted at the rollout, raising expectations among residents ahead of the festive period.
Residents have since welcomed the development with enthusiasm. Imaobong Bassey, a resident of Calabar South, commended the governor for what she described as a timely intervention, praising him as “a listening governor” who pays attention to the plight of the people.
Similarly, Benedict Ofem lauded the initiative, describing Governor Otu as a humane leader whose actions reflect the true essence of public office and service.
At Watt Market, a major commercial hub in Calabar, trader Ekanem Ekpo expressed delight over the development, noting the direct impact on her daily expenses.
“This really shows that his policies are targeted at the people,” she said. “I am so happy because I can now save the ₦600 I have been paying as transportation fare.”
The free transport scheme, which has become a recurring feature during major festive periods such as Christmas and Easter, continues to draw praise for its role in cushioning the effects of economic hardship on residents.
With the Easter celebrations underway, the initiative is expected to ease movement across the state, enabling families to reconnect and residents to celebrate with greater convenience and relief.
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