To gain the support of transport operators in the state ahead of Saturday’s election, the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a temporary suspension of all levies and daily tickets to operators of tricycles and mini-buses in the state.
The suspension which takes effect from Monday would terminate on the eve of the governorship and House of Assembly election – Friday.
In a statement from the Commissioner for Transport in the state, Uno Uno, the state government said the gesture was to enable the operators to “breathe a sigh of relief” amidst the nationwide cash crunch.
“The general public, particularly operators of commercial tricycle and minibuses and the Compliance and Monitoring team are hereby notified of this development.
“In continued support for the State government, transporters are urged to use the 5 days of grace to prepare to take active part in the governorship and state assembly elections slated on 18 March.
“It is hoped that in response to the kind gesture of the State government, transporters will remain law-abiding and shun all forms of violence throughout the period of the elections,” Mr Uno said.