Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Benin, Edo State
The Edo State Government has refuted claims by Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, regarding the expenditure on the free transport scheme. In an official statement, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, dismissed Okpebholo’s assertions as false and urged the public to disregard them.
Truth Live News reports that the state government allocated N110,509,230 over the last three months to sustain the free bus scheme. This initiative, launched on September 11, 2023, aims to alleviate the impact of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal on Edo residents. The program offers intra-city services from Monday to Saturdays and inter-city services from Monday to Sundays, benefitting over 1.5 million Edo residents in its initial phase.
Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by rising diesel prices and operational costs, the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) has actively sought solutions. Measures include exploring partnerships with organizations such as Christ Embassy, Church of God Mission, and Winners, as well as offering skeletal hire services. These efforts aim to offset increased costs without relying solely on government funds.
Nehikhare strongly criticized Senator Okpebholo’s remarks, labeling them as “disheartening and ridiculous.” He emphasized that the figures quoted by the senator were baseless, imaginary, and lacked any foundation in truth. The commissioner speculated that the senator’s comments might stem from a desire for attention, emphasizing that Edo people should dismiss the misleading information.
The Edo State Government clarified that the figures presented by Senator Okpebholo had no basis in reality and urged him to seek accurate information from ECTS or the Ministry of Communication and Orientation. Nehikhare noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki remains committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
In conclusion, Edo residents were assured that their resources are in safe hands, with Governor Obaseki demonstrating a track record of responsible governance. The statement aimed to quash misinformation and reinforce the government’s dedication to providing essential services while managing public resources efficiently.