Okpebholo suspends free bus service in Edo

EDO STATE, Nigeria —Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the free bus service system in the state.

Recall that the governor approved the  free bus services for residents of the state through the Edo City Transport Service.

But in a press statement released by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the initiative was described as part of the administration’s effort to entrench its policy direction.

The free bus service, was to cover the Benin metropolis and the three senatorial districts of the state (intra- and intercity routes).

The move was part of the government commitment to enhancing the welfare of Edo residents.

However, in a subsequent statement on Wednesday night, Itua said the earlier announcement regarding the approval of the free bus services should be disregarded.

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

“The governor is being briefed on issues surrounding the operation of the state-owned Edo City Transport Service, 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.”