Residents praise C’River gov for free Christmas bus service

Cross Rivers Governor, Bassey Otu. Credit: Bassey Otu | X

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Residents of Calabar, capital of Cross River State, have praised Governor Bassey Otu’s free Christmas bus service, describing it as a huge relief and a great help to curb the high cost of transportation.

It could be recalled that Otu recently launched a free bus service themed “Xmas Free Transport Service,” aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and assisting residents and visitors during the festive season to carry out movement across the state.

According to him, the free bus service is part of his administration’s “People First” agenda and aligns with the Carnival Calabar theme, “Traces of Time”.

During the flag-off ceremony held on December 1, 2025, Otu noted that this gesture is a welcome development that will bring joy and unity to Cross Riverians during the festive season.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Monday in Calabar, residents lauded the initiative, noting that the free bus service is making it easier for people to get around the Calabar metropolis during the Christmas season with no cost.

One of the residents, Ukomma Sampson, said, “I want to throw a big shout out to our Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, our sweet Prince, for giving us free buses that take us around wherever we go. Particularly in Calabar, since this free bus came into existence, I have not paid for transportation. And this has really helped us to save our money.”

A trader in Calabar South, Mary Obi, while commending the efforts of the governor, said, “This is the first time in years that I can travel back home after sales with ease.

“I will just carry my loads and take a free bus and they will take me to my house for free. I thank our governor, and I want him to sustain this kind gesture beyond the Christmas season.”

Another resident of Ekorinim in Calabar main town, who identified himself as Pascal Ijom, said the initiative is a boost to the local economy.

He called on the state government to also cushion the high cost of rent to create balance in the capital city.

On his part, Effiom Ekeng, a father of four at Marian, Calabar main town, said the initiative is commendable, adding that the state government should expand the free bus service to other parts of the state.

“Calabar is not the only city in Cross River, if they want to do something remarkable, Governor Otu should extend this free bus service to other places like Ikom, Obubra, Obudu, Obanliku, Bakassi, Akpabuyo and even Odukpani which is very close to us here”, he said.

Traders at the popular Watt market, in separate views, eulogised the initiative of Governor Bassey Otu, describing the initiative as “a deliberate effort to assist the poor masses.”

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