Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the immediate freezing of all government banks’ accounts until further notice.
This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, on Thursday from Benin City.
Okpebholo ordered that commercial banks, as well as the heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies fully adhere to this directive without any delay.
He said any disregard for the order from civil servants or agency heads would result in serious disciplinary action.
The governor said, “All bank accounts in all the commercial banks have been frozen,” and he expects the banks to uphold the order strictly, ensuring that “not a dime is taken out of the government’s coffers until further notice.”
Heads of MDAs have been urged to “comply with this order and ensure full compliance without any further delays.” Okpebholo reassured the public that after the necessary investigations and financial reconciliations are complete, he will make the necessary decisions on the next steps.
Okpebholo has ordered the renaming of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to the Ministry of Works, noting that the former title was introduced under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.
He remarked that the name was inappropriate, given that “no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of Obaseki.” Okpebholo added, “It is funny how you can call a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, not a single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.”
Okpebholo directed all relevant agencies to enact this renaming immediately and reflect the change in official documentation.
He also hinted at a broader review of past administrative actions, stating, “In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration, and more decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.”
