Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, praised President Bola Tinubu on Friday for the 50% reduction in the cost of interstate transit fares.
Obi claimed that the Tinubu administration’s initial action, which was meant to assist the general populace, was a positive move.
In a post on X, Obi stated that the main issue arose following the policy’s introduction.
He wrote: “I read the reports of the President’s approval of a 50 per cent slash in the price of interstate transport fare for Nigerians travelling during this Yuletide from Thursday 21, 2023 to January 4, 2024. The news reports added that the President also approved free rides for commuters on all train services within the period.
“If fully implemented, as reported, I consider this first-time intervention of the government, intended to help the masses, a step in the right direction.
“However, the major concern about such emergency measures is what happens afterwards.
“The high cost of transportation and associated hardships are all well known. The question this seasonal palliative raises is that of what happens after the festive season.
“Is there a sustainable policy measure to cushion the masses from the current high transportation costs? Even the current effort comes with operational challenges.
“Millions of people have already traveled bearing the brunt and huge costs of such travels. How will such people get their refunds or be compensated?”
