*Vow to sustain free-fuel initiative if elected governor
By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State, Bala Bello Tinka, has unveiled a package of initiatives, including free fuel for commercial transport operators and healthcare services for vulnerable residents.
Tinka disclosed the plans after providing free fuel to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators at selected filling stations in Gombe metropolis on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The exercise, which lasted from 6am to 6pm, was aimed at cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices and the resulting increase in transportation costs on residents.
Speaking in a Radio interview monitored by our Correspondent, Tinka said the gesture was part of his efforts to ease the economic hardship confronting commercial transport operators and other residents.
He promised to sustain the free-fuel initiative if elected governor in the 2027 general election, pledged to provide free healthcare services to children under five and elderly people above 70 years.
“No child should die because his parents cannot afford hospital bills, and no old person should be left to die,” he said.
On agriculture, Tinka promised to prioritise indigenous fertiliser dealers in government procurement, saying the policy would keep public funds within the state, strengthen local businesses and create employment opportunities.
He also pledged to patronise indigenous contractors in the execution of government projects, added that contractors from outside the state would only be engaged where the required technical expertise was unavailable locally.
Addressing the persistent water scarcity in Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state, Tinka said his administration would commission a comprehensive study to identify the root causes of the problem and develop sustainable solutions.
He stated further that his proposed administration would prioritise the welfare of residents and promote inclusive governance through policies aimed at addressing the socioeconomic challenges confronting the state.
Tinka urged residents to support the ADC in the 2027 general election, saying his proposals were designed to ease economic hardship, improve access to essential services and strengthen local businesses.
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