Okpebholo makes U-turn, suspends free bus services in Edo

Okpebholo had earlier described the free bus services in the three senatorial zones of Edo state as one of his administration’s initiatives

By Kehinde Okeowo

Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has suspended the free bus services he approved across the three senatorial districts barely three days after making the pronouncement.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in a statement earlier released to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State  capital, claimed the governor approved the free bus services for residents as part of his administration’s initiatives.

However, in another statement he made available on Wednesday, Itua urged members of the public to disregard the earlier announcement.

ALSO READ: Plateau Gov. Muftwang, Sen. Dachungyang hail historic election, assumption of office of Ibrahim Pam as World Bank Inspection Panel chair

According to the governor’s spokesperson, the suspension was occasioned by a briefing received by the governor on the issues surrounding the operation of the state-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), the operators of the free bus services.

“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,” the statement read.