Okpebholo reverses self and places Edo’s free bus rides on hold

Edo City Transport Service.

By Jethro Ibileke

 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, has reversed his earlier approval of free bus rides to residents in three Senatorial Districts, through the State-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).

The Governor in a statement Wednesday afternoon by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, approved the continuation of free bus rides instituted by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, over a year ago.

The statement had described the initiative as part of the Okpebholo administration’s drive to entrench his policy direction.

“The free bus service which covers Benin metropolis and the three Senatorial districts of Edo State (Intra and intracity routes), is part of the commitment of Governor Okpebholo to enhance the welfare of all Edo people.

“The bus services will ease the transportation stress. Our people who plan to move around within the Benin metropolis and out will be able to do that without any extra financial burdens.

“Edo Central like Ekpoma, Iruekpen, Irrua, Uromi, and other places are also part of the routes the free transportation services will cover.

“Edo North is fully captured. Agbede, Auchi, Okpella, Fugar, and other parts of Edo North are covered in the free transportation scheme of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” the statement said.

But, Itua, in another statement Wednesday evening, announced the suspension of the free bus services, saying that the Governor was being briefed on operations of the free bus ride.

“The earlier statement announcing the approval of free bus services by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should be disregarded.

“The Governor is being briefed on issues surrounding the operation of the State-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), operators of the free bus services.

“For now, the free bus services have been placed on hold. A new decision by the Governor will be communicated to the general public,” Itua said.