IKOM– The Executive Chairman of Ikom LGA, Hon. Pst [Mrs] Mercy Nsor has met with the Ikom Drivers Union and the management of Ikom Cyclists.
During the courtesy visit, Hon. Mercy commended the Excos of both Associations for their understanding and synergy with the new Park Management to foster peace and smooth transportation of the general masses.
The Chairman directed all members of both Associations to operate fairly and within the ambit of equity to avoid possible sanctions.
She has directed an immediate stop to increment in transportation fares that have impoverished the people.
She stated that her administration will remain committed to alleviating the suffering of the people through people-oriented programs and policies such as this, which have a direct effect on the cost of goods and services.
“This collaborative approach will undoubtedly foster a sense of community and cooperation, essential for the Park’s success. Our people are complaining about the high cost of things in Ikom LGA. I understand how harsh the economy is, but this change must begin with us, as the Government need not only be held accountable for certain decisions that are mostly taken by us.
I want to use this medium to reassure the people of Ikom that, henceforth, the transportation fare from Ikom to Calabar is now pegged at 10,000 naira, and a drop as far as any cyclist is concerned is pegged at 400 naira.
“We’ll continue to monitor the situation as well as the demand and supply interactions so we can further review all the prices even lower than what we have now. I desire to see my Ikom people pay a fee of at most 6,000 naira to Calabar and 200 naira per cyclist drop.” She added.
On their part, the Executives of the Drivers Union headed by Joseph Osaji [Ikom Chairman] and Pst. Julius Johnson [State Chairman], complained of the high cost of fuel and spare parts, poor road maintenance, lack of Ikom park in Calabar, as well as the high number of checkpoints along Ikom Calabar highway.
Hon. Mercy Nsor assured the Exco that she’ll do everything within her power to solve their challenges, especially those that are within her powers.
“First and foremost, I’ll talk with my Calabar Municipality counterpart to see how the drivers can have a space to run their park in Calabar.” The Chairman reassured.
In the company of the Chairman during the meeting was the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon Maurice Ndome; the Chief Protocol to the Chairman, Mr. Nsor Odey; the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Engr. Ntem Chris, Protocol to Vice Chairman, Mr. Monday Nsor, P.A domestic to the Chairman, Mr. George Alobi, and the P.A. Administration to the Chairman, Ms. Fortune Onesisi.
