Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday morning surprised passengers on one of the new Edo Line buses when he stopped along the Lokoja-Abuja Expressway to commend and reward the driver for safe motoring.
The governor, who was returning to Benin City from a visit to Kogi State, was in company of the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, when he bumped into the Abuja-bound bus gliding carefully through the bad portions of the road.
Passengers onboard recounted how security operatives halted their vehicle, only for Governor Okpebholo and Tenebe to approach their driver. “The governor questioned him, like an interview, and also asked us questions on the behavior of the driver. After all the exchanges, the governor praised the driver and encouraged him to be safety conscious. He instantly rewarded him,” one of the passengers narrated.
According to the passengers, the driver initially feared he was in trouble until fellow travelers reassured him. “He is a very calm and matured driver, so we knew the governor only wanted to commend him,” another passenger said.
A video shared by eyewitnesses showed passengers and the driver chanting “Okpebholo, Okpebholo, Okpebholo” as they continued their journey after the governor’s intervention.
The New Edo Line Transport Company, recently revived by Governor Okpebholo with a fleet of 100 brand new buses, had collapsed several years ago before its relaunch.
Passengers described the governor’s action as a demonstration of his hands-on leadership style, which they believe will guarantee quality service delivery throughout his administration.
