As the Akwa Ibom State Government prepares to roll out the much-talked-about Ibom City Bus Project, residents across the state have expressed mixed reactions, applauding the initiative while calling on the government to ensure that the scheme does not operate exclusively within Uyo.

You would recall that the Akwa Ibom Government, during its Executive Council Meeting held the 26^th of last month, ratified and approved the implementation of the modern City Bus transportation system.

Consequently, at the EXCOS meeting last week during the 4-day Governance retreat in Lagos, approved the engagement of Alpha Diaz limited as the contractor for the Bus project.

Responding to the Development, the Residents who spoke with our Reporters said the buses should connect Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Oron, and even some rural areas where movement is difficult, noting that Akwa Ibom is more than just Uyo.

The State Government noted that the implementation of the project within the Uyo Metropolis will provide a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly bus service aimed at enhancing public transportation and accessibility, while also driving socioeconomic development to improve the quality of life for citizens.

However, residents expressed concern that restricting the operation of the buses to only the Uyo Metropolis could negatively impact existing mini-bus and tricycle services within the city.

They noted that extending the bus services to other local government areaswill serve the entire state.