Nigeria, Oct. 3 -- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala Tinka, provided free fuel to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators as part of activities marking Nigeria's Independence Day.

The one-day intervention, which was scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, was implemented at designated filling stations in Gombe metropolis.

Mr Tinka had announced the initiative during an interview with a local radio station in Gombe monitored by our correspondent.

He said the gesture was intended to ease the financial burden on commercial transport operators, who he said had been affected by the rising cost of petrol.

"On October 1st, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., any Okada rider and Keke Napep operator...