Gov Okpebholo Approves Free Rides Across Three Edo Senatorial Districts

Governor Monday Ekpebholo of Edo State has approved complimentary bus services for the residents of the State via the State-operated Edo City Transport Service (ECTS).

This development was confirmed in a statement made available to journalists by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State.

According to him, this initiative aligns with his administration’s objective to solidify the policy framework encapsulated in the slogan, “A NEW EDO HAS RISEN.”

The statement further noted that the complimentary bus service, which encompasses the Benin metropolis as well as the three Senatorial districts of Edo State (covering both intra and intercity routes), reflects the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of all Edo citizens.

“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 by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s free transportation scheme,” the statement read.

Gov Okpebholo’s Asset Committee Focused On Transparency, Not A Witch Hunt Against Obaseki – Umakhihe

Meanwhile, the Edo State Asset Verification Committee has clarified that its establishment is neither aimed at targeting the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki nor wasting public resources.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday after the committee’s inauguration by Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House, the committee chairman, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, addressed concerns raised by the opposition.

Umakhihe dismissed claims that the committee’s purpose was politically motivated, explaining that it was designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and accuracy in governance.

He noted that the APC transition committee had earlier identified gaps in records during the handover process, necessitating this initiative.

“So, this Asset verification committee is to fill those gaps and ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency.

“We want to have full details of all ongoing projects, the status of those projects, what are the budgetary provisions, who is doing what, and where are the locations of those projects.

“We are looking into financial and non-financial assets of the government. Like, I just said we are not witch-hunt but want to present the facts as they should have been.

“We have been hearing a lot out there that this is a waste of funds and exercise. Those condemnations are coming from the opposition.

“This is a committee that is very crucial for developing a pathway in this government transformation agenda. We need to know where we are so that you have a pathway of where you intend to go,” Umakhihe said.