Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stunned residents by reversing his decision to continue the free bus ride scheme.
The popular initiative, introduced by his predecessor Godwin Obaseki, had been running for over a year and was widely celebrated for easing transportation costs.
Okpebholo initially gave the green light for the scheme to continue, calling it a vital part of his administration’s commitment to public welfare.
In a statement released earlier on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor expressed strong support for the programme.
“The free bus service, covering Benin metropolis and routes across Edo State, is a demonstration of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of all Edo people,” the statement read.
The bus routes spanned across the three senatorial districts of the state, including areas like Ekpoma, Irrua, Uromi, Auchi, Okpella, and Fugar.
However, in a shocking twist, a second statement was issued later in the evening.
In the new release, Itua announced that the scheme had been suspended with immediate effect.
“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,” Itua stated.
The reason for the sudden U-turn was linked to an ongoing review of the scheme’s operations.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo is being briefed on the activities of the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), the body responsible for managing the buses.
“For now, the scheme has been placed on hold, and a new decision will be communicated to the public,” Itua concluded.
The announcement has left residents of Edo State confused and disappointed.
Many had already hailed the continuation of the scheme as a sign of progress under the new administration.
“I was excited when I heard the news earlier in the day,” said Ize Iyamu, a trader in Benin City.
“Now, they are telling us it’s suspended. This back-and-forth is frustrating.”
Another resident, Funmi Okojie, expressed concern about the impact on students and low-income earners who rely heavily on the free buses.
“This scheme has helped so many of us, especially students and market women. We hope the government will reconsider,” she said.
Social media platforms were also buzzing with reactions from Edo people.
Some users accused the government of playing politics with the scheme, while others urged Governor Okpebholo to reinstate the programme as soon as possible.
Political analysts believe the move could spark controversy, given the popularity of the initiative during Obaseki’s tenure.
“The free bus ride scheme was one of Obaseki’s standout achievements,” said local analyst Victor Omoregie.
“Okpebholo’s reversal could be seen as an attempt to distance himself from his predecessor’s policies, but it’s a risky decision.”
The scheme had initially been introduced to alleviate the burden of rising transport costs on Edo residents.
