, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, officially commissioned the revitalised Edo Line Transport Company){kind=link}
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, officially commissioned the revitalised Edo Line Transport Company in Benin City.
This milestone project is part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s broader agenda to revive dormant and state-owned enterprises in Edo State.
Established in 1968, Edo Line was once a flagship transport service in the state but had ceased operations since 2010. By 2017, its remaining staff were redeployed to the State Ministry of Transport.
Determined to fulfil his promise to restore Edo’s economic assets, Governor Okpebholo has breathed new life into the company by injecting 100 brand-new buses into its fleet — a development that is already being hailed as a transformative step for public transportation in the state.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Central Park in Benin City, Wike lauded the Governor’s efforts, describing the revival of Edo Line as a testament to purposeful leadership and a catalyst for further development. He stated that such strides were not just beneficial to Edo residents but also strengthen the case for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
The FCT Minister further recalled his personal connection with Edo Line, noting that he had used the transport service himself in 2007 to travel to Abuja. In a veiled critique of underperforming politicians, Wike asserted:
“I do not identify with governors who fail their people. I only associate with leaders who are genuinely committed to serving their people. Governor Okpebholo is making a difference — keep working hard, do not relent, and focus on rewriting the narrative. Performance often attracts hatred and jealousy, but it must continue regardless.”
He emphasized that true performance is not theoretical but tangible, saying: “You cannot merely claim support for President Tinubu on television. You must demonstrate it with real projects that uplift the people. In Edo, what we see here — the revival of Edo Line and ongoing infrastructural developments like flyovers — gives confidence that the state will stand by the President. I completed my tenure without owing any debt. Leadership is about delivering visible and lasting results.”
Wike also recounted his tenure as Rivers State Governor, revealing that he had provided logistical support to Peter Obi during his governorship. Responding to comments regarding Obi, Governor Okpebholo clarified that his recent remarks were not threats but sincere advice intended to safeguard lives in the state.
“I don’t need to consult an encyclopedia for people to understand my message. As Chief Security Officer of this state, my primary duty is to protect both residents and visitors. If my advice to Mr. Peter Obi is deemed a crime, so be it. I have no regrets about it. I repeat: before visiting Edo State, notify me. This is not a threat — it is a safety protocol,” he explained.
Governor Okpebholo drew from personal experience, narrating an incident where he defied security advice and suffered tragic consequences: “When I was in Rivers State, I was advised by the Commissioner of Police to remain at the airport. I ignored the advice, and my police escort was shot dead right before my eyes. My caution to Mr. Obi comes from this painful lesson.”
Expressing his gratitude, Okpebholo praised President Tinubu for providing federal support and monitoring the state’s development efforts: “What we are witnessing today with the revival of Edo Line is a dream come true. For too long, Edo people have wandered in the wilderness of poor leadership.
“Now, with open eyes, they are choosing the progressive path, much like Lagos. This progress wouldn’t have been possible without the fatherly support of President Tinubu, who truly loves the people of Edo and the South-South region.”
The Governor reiterated his earlier stance: “My responsibility is not limited to infrastructure alone but also includes ensuring the safety of lives. The President is funding and monitoring our projects closely.
“His Renewed Hope agenda is transforming Nigeria with practical governance. We are not worried about political coalitions formed in secret places — they are mere witchcraft gatherings with no bearing on our progress. Edo State alone will deliver 2.5 million votes.”
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, pledged the assembly’s continued support for the Governor’s developmental strides.
He assured that more funds would be made available to expand the Edo Line fleet, expressing confidence that the resources would be managed judiciously under Okpebholo’s leadership.