Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has mandated the immediate freezing of all State-owned bank accounts until further notice. He has instructed commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with this directive without delay.
This announcement was made by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in a statement on Thursday. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that anyone, including MDAs and civil servants, who disobeys this order will face severe consequences.
According to the statement, “All bank accounts in commercial banks have been frozen. Banks must adhere to this directive and ensure that no funds are withdrawn from the government’s accounts until further notice. Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to enforce compliance without delay.”
The governor stated that after conducting the necessary investigations and reconciliations, he would determine the next steps, but for now, the order remains in effect.
Additionally, Itua reported that Governor Okpebholo has instructed relevant government agencies to change the name of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to the Ministry of Works. This change addresses concerns regarding the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki, during which no significant road or bridge projects were completed.
The governor criticized the naming of the ministry, stating, “It is amusing to refer to a government body as the Ministry of Roads and Bridges when no bridges have been constructed, not even a pedestrian one.” He noted that more assessments of actions taken by the past administration will be conducted, and further decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.
