The Lawmaker representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Reps, Hon. Peter Akpanke, has received commendations from constituents, especially students for initiating and executing the just concluded free transportation scheme which was organized in a bid to quell the unbearable cost of transportation of students returning from his constituency back to school in Calabar.
It would be recalled that as a result of the hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal, Hon. Peter Akpanke timeously intervened by providing free transportation buses for returning students. The buses took off from three different locations viz; Obanliku, Sankwala Junction, MRS fuel station, Obudu and Unbeatable Fuel station, Abouchiche respectively, conveying 120 persons daily from January 12 to January 16, 2024.(excluding Sunday, 15th January 2024). The initiative was birthed out of a genuine desire by Hon. Akpanke to assist the beneficiaries to get to their destinations without having to deal with the rigors of the hike in transportation.
He noted that as the representative of his people, he easily resonates with the hardship and discomfort confronting many Nigerians, including his constituents.
The Lawmaker also disclosed that the scheme will continue for the next four years and beyond. According to him, “this decision had become was necessary, and after reviewing the initiative, we’ve extended same throughout the next four years and beyond for students of this Federal Constituency”.
Hon. Peter Akpanke, popularly known as “De Rock” revealed that the decision became imparative as it protects and upholds the best interest of the students who deserve nothing short of effective representation, the representation of which he is poised to delivering.
He appreciated the Administrators of NURTW in the three LGAs for their support and cooperation during the program and called for continuous cooperation and support.
Beneficiaries expressed excitement and thanked the Honourable member as he continues to make students welfare his priority, saying they are never in doubt of his effective representation and students inclusion in his activities.
One of the Constituents, Adie Thomas said, “if not for Hon. Peter Akpanke’s gesture, I don’t know how I would have conveyed my four children back to Unicross and Unical from my location Bekwarra, in the wake of the outrageous amount we pay as transport fare which has scaled up to a whooping 70% and soaring as the days go by.”
In the same vein, other constituents equally expressed their unmitigated gratitude to Hon. Akpanke, praying to God to keep elevating him in perpetuity.
According to the demonstrators, they had not received their salaries in over three months, adding that Prof. Angba had ignored them because he was preoccupied with foreign travel during the holiday season when they were having financial difficulties.
