Despite coordinated attacks, Dikko leaving no stone unturned, expanding inter-state services— Investigative journalists*

A group of investigative journalists in Oyo state have bravely taken a boldly step to verify a number of false claims, including the absence of a legal framework governing the activities of Pacesetter Transport Services, in response to the ongoing coordinated attacks on Hon. Dikko Salami regarding the company’s operations.

The group equally investigated a report that the Sole Administrator, Dr. Oladeji Salami Ibrahim, had recruited 106 additional staff without proper authorization.

In a statement jointly signed by renowned undercover journalists and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday, the investigative journalists uncovered that several accusations charged against the chairman of the Pacesetter state were found to be politically sponsored.

The group observed that the company has been honest in its operations and has consistently made unprecedented development, increasing interstate services and continuously boosting the company’s revenue under Dikko Salami’s leadership.

With daily departures at 7:00 am, the investigative journalists also discovered that Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS), under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has made great strides in expanding interstate services from Ibadan (TCTC Eleyele) to Abuja (Area 1, Gwagwalada Motor Park).

According to the statement, a thorough evaluation of the pace setter’s operation under Hon. Dikko Salami has been transparent, leaving no stone unturned, promoting inclusion, and for ease of commuters locating its loading points, reaching out to a unique demography of people who know virtually all commuters who are the bike men.

The statement continued: “Under the leadership of Hon. Dikko Salami, PTS is no doubt gaining attention from people as one of the most dependable transport systems in the state to transport goods or visit loved ones for just ₦28,500, which is definitely the kind of travel deal one can get elsewhere.

“The sole administrator has been able to enrol young people into the system, who have significantly improved the pacesetter transport company, in the same way as His Excellency Seyi Makinde believes in the potential of young people.

“To mention but a few, PTS was able to use a card system to digitise its operations, closing gaps and allowing for more transparent operations. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Hon. Dikko can make money on his own and pay staff salaries and arrears without relying on subventions.

““It will be recalled that on December 15, 2024, the Oyo State Government officially launched its inter-state services to Lagos, a historic event commissioned by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde. This launch also marked the unveiling of PTS Logistics, covering Oyo, Lagos, and Abuja.

“The inter-state services to Lagos currently operate from TCTC Eleyele to Ojota Terminal and Ikeja Terminal, with daily departure times at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.

“His Excellency Seyi Makinde’s unwavering investment in the transportation industry has allowed the PTS to accomplish this remarkable feat, allowing the company to transport over 50,000 passengers every day on intra-city, inter-city, and inter-state routes.

“Governor Seyi Makinde deserves equal praise for improving PTS to reduce transport expenses after the elimination of fuel subsidies.

However, despite this progress and the stunning turnaround in the pacesetter state, the undercover journalists wondered why the sole administrator of PTS would be the target of a coordinated attack instead of praise for his great efforts since taking office.

The group quipped, “Is this coordinated attacks perpetuated because Dikko is someone who is being firm and transparent?, Or could it be because he is not a man of a Free-For-All-Largesse?

It is our believe that the undercover journalists would be allowed into the House of Assembly complex on the day of investigation.

Signed:

Liberty Championed by the Pen