Edo Gives New Vehicles To Security Agencies, Transport Company
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Security agencies and the Edo Transport company are to share the 38 new Toyota Hilux vans and 16 Prado Jeeps purchased for them by the Edo State government.
In addition the State Transport company, Edo Line is to have and over 56 new Toyota Hiace buses, out of the 100 expected before the end of February to commence operations after close to two decades of being defunct.
Governor Monday Okpebholo gave this indication today when he mae all the vehicles available for unveiling by a former governor of Edo State Senator Adams Oshiomole; in the company of heads of security agencies in the State today in Benin City.
Oshiomole commended the Governor for his achievements in 100 days in office and said what he could not do as governor of the State, Okpebholo has done.
Oshiomhole said, “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.
“Those that borrowed so much money could not afford to buy a new vehicle 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.”
On the vehicles for Edo Line Senator Oshiomole commended the Governor for his courage, determination and bravery to revive the State-owned transport service and for not purchasing the vehicles through MoUs or hired consultants.
He said, “I am completely short of words because of the action of the Governor to revive Edoline. 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 which is popularly called Comrade Bus.
“To revive the Edoline set up when I was still in primary school and one of the legacies of our departed elder statesman, late 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 travel. Individuals can not hold Edo traveling public to ransom because they have a choice between the famous Edoline or any other traveling companies.”
The Edo State Police Commissioner, Betty Enekpen Isokpen Otimenyin, commended the Governor for the vehicles distributed to security agencies to fight crime and criminality in Edo State.
She thanked 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 District 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,” she said.
