The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has issued a stern warning to the management of the Sokoto State Transport Authority and its drivers regarding the proper use of newly acquired buses and Toyota cars for transportation services within and outside the state.
Governor Aliyu emphasized the need for the responsible use of the vehicles, which were purchased using taxpayers’ money. He made this declaration during the flag-off ceremony for the vehicles’ operations held at the transport firm’s terminal in the Runjin Sambo area.
“We will not hesitate to sanction erring officials,” warned Governor Aliyu, emphasizing that government property must not be mishandled.
The governor highlighted a shift in the government’s stance towards ensuring the efficient management of state resources, stating, “The days are gone when government property would continue to be mishandled.”
He urged all stakeholders involved to work diligently towards achieving the intended purpose of acquiring the vehicles.
Earlier, the state’s Deputy Governor and overseer of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, addressed the delay in commencing the vehicles’ operations. He attributed the delay to the state government’s deliberate efforts to equip the vehicles with modern communication gadgets.
Gobir explained that the delay was also caused by the consultant’s inability to import e-ticketing components, which are essential for the vehicles’ operations.
“All the vehicles are fully equipped with tracking devices to monitor their movement anywhere in the country for optimum utilization,” stated Gobir, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring efficient transportation services.
The commencement of operations for 30 out of the 70 buses and Toyota cars marks the beginning of efforts to alleviate transportation challenges faced by the people of Sokoto State. The remaining vehicles will soon be deployed to further enhance transportation services within the state.
