Edo: Okpebholo cancels transport company commissioning to honour Buhari
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, called off the planned commissioning of the newly revived New Edo Line transport company in deference to the national mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The cancellation was announced shortly before the scheduled event, despite the arrival of guests at the venue. Sources close to the administration said the decision was prompted by concerns over the optics of hosting a public celebration while the country is observing a period of national grief, with flags flying at half-mast.
New Edo Line, a state-owned transport service, had been dormant for over 15 years before the recent revitalization efforts by the Okpebholo administration.
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, however, condemned the government’s earlier decision to proceed with the event, describing it as “insensitive and ill-timed.” In a statement issued by PDP spokesperson Chris Nehikhare, the party criticized the state government for organizing what it called a “public jamboree,” complete with a live band and festive atmosphere, at a time when the nation was in mourning.
“It is deeply troubling and tone-deaf that the Edo State Government chose to host a public celebration while the country grieves the loss of one of its former leaders,” the PDP said.
Nehikhare added that while the late President Buhari may have held differing political views during the 2020 elections, his passing warranted respect and solemnity. He noted that Buhari remained a significant figure in Nigeria’s democratic history and deserved to be honoured appropriately.
The Edo PDP extended its condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Buhari family, and Nigerians at large on the death of the former president, describing him as an elder statesman and a patriot.
Edo: Okpebholo cancels transport company commissioning to honour Buhari
