In the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, has voiced criticism against President Bola Tinubu for implementing a 50% reduction in transportation fares nationwide during the Yuletide season. According to a report by News Verified, Tinubu had previously announced waivers on transport fares for interstate road travelers during the Christmas and New Year period.

Tinubu clarified that the federal government would subsidize 50% of the transport fares for interstate road travelers throughout the country during the festive season. In response to this announcement, Peter Obi expressed disappointment in a statement via X, raising concerns about the fate of Nigerians after the conclusion of the festive season and the implications for those who had already undertaken travels before the transportation fare reduction was announced.

The former Governor of Anambra state conducted an investigation, revealing that many transporters in major parks across the country were not adequately informed or consulted regarding the decision made by the Federal Government. Obi argued that for the policy to be effective and fair, it should have been inclusive, taking into account the challenges faced by transport companies.

Obi emphasized the need for the policy to resonate with the broader population, especially the economically disadvantaged. He contended that a more deliberate and concrete arrangement should have been made with transport companies to ensure the effective implementation of the policy and its positive impact on the masses.

As the nation enters the festive season, the clash of opinions between Peter Obi and President Tinubu adds complexity to the ongoing political discourse. The effectiveness of the transportation fare reduction policy is now under scrutiny, and Obi’s concerns highlight the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to policymaking, ensuring that the benefits reach those who are most in need.

He said, “I read the reports of the President’s approval of a 50 percent 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 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 follows 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? Following the government’s announcement of a 50% discount on interstate transport fare for Nigerians, I have taken time to inquire into the implementation mechanics across different cities but I have been disappointed.

“Today, I sent out contacts who consulted widely with the transporters in major parks across the country: in Abuja they carried out on the spot investigation in Jabi/Utako areas; in Lagos they visited major parks like Jibowu, Festac, Mile 12, Ajah, and Mazamaza and none of the transporters in these parks was aware of this 50% discount. At Upper Iweka, Onitsha, which is the main traffic hub in Anambra, and in other parts of the country like; Kano, Aba, Kaduna, Owerri, and Gombe, the story is the same.

The government has again announced the few transport companies chosen to participate in the intervention for which 28 Routes have been designated. There are no announced forms of checks and balances to ensure that the transporters follow the terms of the contract.

“There are obvious questions on the integrity of this intervention effort. One expects that such a policy that strives to appeal to the broad masses, especially the downtrodden, deliberate and concrete arrangements should be made, with transport companies. I pray that this is not yet another spin to curry favour in the media space after appetizing the people.

The Nigerian people are going through untold hardship and the government must not remain insensitive to their sufferings. Compassion on the part of government is a good thing, but it should not be an avenue for exploiting the weak structures of government to encourage less than transparent policy implementation.”

https://thisweekng.com/peter-obi-criticizes-president-tinubus-yuletide-transportation-fare-reduction-policy/

He have a point sha

Peter Obi will never be president of Nigeria, even in the next millennium.

He welcomed it not criticize, all these blogger headlines

Is Peter Obi not going to Agulu for Christmas and New year?

A good policy though but only 5 transport companies were picked which could lead to a stampede.

Another thoughtless and FAILED policy from Ebola Tinubu.😒

Running a Trial and Error, Gazelle Gagaraga govt. 😟😏😏

After Christmas then what next for Nigerians

LeoDeKing:
Peter Obi will never be president of Nigeria, even in the next millennium.

How did Buhari your favorite handled the country? Careless. How is Tinubu doing now. Worse. It is only an arrogant person that would say somebody cannot become something in life.

LeoDeKing:
Peter Obi will never be president of Nigeria, even in the next millennium.

Your hate for Peter obi won't allow you to take your time to read

He said, “I read the reports of the President’s approval of a 50 percent 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 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.

I used to think this man has the interest of Nigerians at heart but going by this very long paragraph, I've come to realize that he is just a power hungry saddists who would criticize jusr anything to stat irrelevant


This proves that his criticisms in the past arent borne out of his patriotism but driven by hate

I hate when people dont know when and when not to hate, it makes u look stupid

See person wey i even think say na serious person

Peter at times just keep kwayet

EmperorCaesar:
I used to think this man has the interest of Nigerians at heart but going by this very long paragraph, I've come to realize that he is just a power hungry saddists who would criticize jusr anything to stat irrelevant


This proves that his criticisms in the past arent borne out of his patriotism but driven by hate

I hate when people dont know when and when not to hate, it makes u look stupid

See person wey i even think say na serious person

Madman Anthem!!!! Mr man prove him wrong. Mtcheeewww Yeyenatu!!

If you believe this cock and bull story from government then you're delusional i asked people wei want travel they said nothing like that dey