In line with the current realities in the country and the commitment of the Cross River State Government to mitigate the impact of the abolition of fuel subsidy on the people of the state, Governor Bassey Otu has approved a number of mitigation measures for the citizens.
During a media parley in Calabar to mark his first 100 days in office, Friday, Otu confirmed that he had received the two billion naira federal government palliative sent to the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and announced the committee that would be responsible for distribution of the money.
Announcing the palliatives distribution committee, Otu mentioned Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government to be the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff as a member of the committee as well as Mr Mike Odere, Commissioner for Finance, member.
In addition, Dr Helen Isamoh, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, member, Bishop Margaret Ene-Ita, Commissioner for Social Welfare, member, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Information, member, Maj. Gen. Obono Okoi Ubi (Rtd), State Security Adviser also a member.
“Payment of an allowance of N10,000.00 each to all workers across board for the next six months beginning from September 2023.
“We will re-introduce the mass transit system for inter-city travels at a fairly subsidised rate for all citizens.
“Government will also continue with the free tuition in all government-owned primary and secondary schools. Additionally, Government will sustain the payment of examination fees for SSCE for state indigenes.
“We will also provide free medical care for children under 5 and pregnant women. This will be extended to include the elderly aged 60 years and above.
“Our farmers will be granted soft-loan and provided with fertilizer and other inputs to boost food production in the state.
“Subsidised ticketing for all commercial vehicles operating within the State capital is in place, thereby reducing the fares by 50%.
“This marathon race of governance requires time-tested procedures of bottom-up planning, execution, review and completion. It requires patience, discipline and focus. So, this is the approach the present administration is adopting to ensure the sustainable growth and development of our state,” he said.
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