The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has commissioned over 56 new Toyota HiAce buses out of the 100 expected before the end of February to boost the fleet of the state-owned Edo Line Transport Service.
Governor Okpebholo, as part of the celebration of his first 100 days in office, also commissioned 38 new Toyota Hilux vans and over 16 Prado Jeeps for distribution to security agencies in the state to fight crime.
At a ceremony attended by Dave Umahi, minister of Works, the deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, and other top government functionaries, former governor of the state and the senator representing Edo North, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole who commissioned the vehicles, commended the governor for his achievements in 100 days in office, admitting that what he could not do as governor of the state, Okpebholo had done. He noted that Edo people were experiencing efforts by the governor to fulfil his campaign promises.
Underscoring the significance of the donation of vehicles for security, the former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) noted that “Criminals are mobile, and security agencies charged with the responsibility of fighting crimes in the state must be mobile to match the criminals. They can only do so with good vehicles which the governor has made possible.
“I am happy that you are speaking less and doing more for Edo people as your actions will continue to speak louder than voices. These security vehicles have been equipped with communication gadgets as our security agencies have all it takes to fight the criminals”.
Taking a swipe at the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki, Senator Oshiomhole said, “Those that borrowed so much money could not afford to buy new vehicles for security agencies. I pray Edo people will gradually recover the lost time of the period of eight years. In 100 days, you have shown this greatness for Edo people.”
He commended the governor for not purchasing the vehicles through MoUs or hired consultants, stressing that the action of the governor was a clear signal that Edo State is not a safe place for criminals to operate.
According to Oshiomhole, “Some of your decisions have restored peace in the state as all live happily now. You have returned Edo back to the path of sustainable growth and development.”
Commissioning the mass transit buses for Edo Line Transport Services, Oshiomhole commended the courage, determination and bravery of Governor Okpebholo to revive the company.
He said, “I am completely short of words because of the action of the governor to revive Edo Line. I tried during my time but could not do it. I was able to revive the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) which is basically intra-city and popularly called Comrade Bus.
“To revive the Edo Line set up when I was still in primary school and one of the legacies of our departed elder statesman, Samuel Ogbemudia as governor, I could not believe that you have achieved this great feat. The spirit of late Ogbemudia will be smiling in heaven for this achievement that his legacy is kept alive by your government.
“This action will give the travelling public more choices and options in embarking on inter- state travels. Individuals cannot hold Edo traveling public to ransom because they have a choice between the famous Edo Line or any other transport companies.”
Oshiomhole apologised to Edo people for supporting Godwin Obaseki who ruled the state for eight years and commended Okpebholo.
“When President Bola Tinubu sees what you are doing for Edo people, he knows that you will deserve support to do more. You have to do more for your eight years and also fill the lost eight years of Obaseki as it requires double effort and resources.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, commended the governor for the vehicles to be distributed to security agencies to fight crime and criminality in the state.
CP Otimenyin said, “We thank the governor for matching words with actions by providing security agencies with these vehicles especially now that we are embarking on ‘Operation Rescue’ at the instance of the state government.
“We are embarking on this operation rescue in collaboration with other sister security agencies to operate in the three senatorial districts of Edo State as you will see our vehicles across the state protecting the lives and properties of Edo people.
“You will see us in Ubiaja, Uromi, Auchi, Oluku, Ring Road, Ramat Park and other areas in the state to ensure we create a peaceful and friendly environment for our people to live peacefully and thrive in all they do.”
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