Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the free bus services he approved just three days ago for residents across the state’s three senatorial districts.
In an earlier statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the free bus initiative was described as part of the administration’s efforts to ease transportation challenges for residents. However, a new directive on Wednesday reversed the decision, urging the public to disregard the earlier announcement.
The latest statement cited operational challenges within the state-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), the operators of the free bus services, as the reason for the suspension.
“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 statement read.
“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 abrupt reversal has left residents speculating about the exact issues affecting ECTS operations. While the government has promised to provide further updates, many await clarity on the fate of the free bus initiative.
