Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday officially commissioned the rejuvenated Edo Line Transport Company, describing it as a shining example of good governance under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The once-moribund transport company, established in 1968 but grounded since 2010, has now received a new lease of life with the injection of 100 brand-new buses — a key promise by Governor Okpebholo to revive public assets and improve mobility across the state.
Speaking at the colourful commissioning ceremony held at the Central Park in Benin City, Wike expressed admiration for the governor’s developmental strides and called on Edo residents to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“What you are doing is touching lives,” Wike said. “You have brought back Edo Line. This is not about appearing on television to declare support for Asiwaju. You are showing it through real projects. Performance is not theory — it is seen in tangible results.”
Recalling his own experience of travelling with Edo Line back in 2007, the FCT Minister praised the company’s revival as both symbolic and practical, stressing that it sends a clear message about Edo’s readiness to embrace infrastructural transformation.
“I don’t identify with failure. I align with leaders who deliver for their people,” Wike declared, as he urged Okpebholo to stay focused despite political distractions. “Performance brings hatred. Performance brings jealousy. But you must continue to change the narrative.”
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting Edo’s development journey, describing him as “a father to Edo people and the South-South.”
“This is a dream come true,” Okpebholo said. “Edo people have been in the wilderness for so long. But now, we have chosen to follow the path of Lagos, and with the President’s backing, we are reclaiming our future.”
He also reaffirmed his controversial statement directed at former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, insisting it was not a threat but a precautionary security advisory.
“As Chief Security Officer of the state, my job is to protect every life — Edo citizens and visitors alike,” Okpebholo said. “When I was campaigning, I was warned to remain at the airport. I ignored the advice and lost my police escort who was shot dead before my eyes. I speak from painful experience. My advice to Obi stands: notify the authorities before visiting Edo.”
Addressing critics who accused him of political intolerance, Okpebholo retorted, “If saying that is a crime, so be it. I’ve made myself clear — it is not a threat. We don’t need the midnight meetings and coven coalitions. Those are political witchcraft.”
He added that Edo’s support for President Tinubu is unshakable. “We are guaranteeing 2.5 million votes in Edo for Mr. President. His Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering practical results. That’s what matters.”
Also speaking, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, pledged legislative support for the transport project, promising to make funds available to expand the Edo Line fleet.
“We know this governor won’t misuse public funds,” Agbebaku said. “We are proud to back a leader who has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to the people.”
The event drew a large crowd of residents, transport workers, and political stakeholders, many of whom praised the return of Edo Line as a symbol of restored pride and opportunity for the state.
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