The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts.
This was contained in a statement released on Thursday, November 14, 2024, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
According to him, the governor indicated that the accounts would remain frozen until further notice.
Itua said the governor also warned commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order immediately and without delay.
The statement noted that Okpebholo cautioned that anyone, including heads of MDAs and civil servants, who disregards the directive would face severe penalties.
“All state bank accounts with commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with this order and ensure that not a single naira is withdrawn from government coffers until further notice.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must ensure full compliance without delay.
Following necessary investigations and reconciliations, the governor will take appropriate action and decide on the way forward. For now, this order remains in effect,” the statement read.
The governor also directed relevant government agencies to revert the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its original designation, the Ministry of Works, a change implemented during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Okpebholo ordered immediate compliance, directing that the new name be officially reflected.
“It is odd to name a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, especially when not a single bridge was built by the previous administration — not even a pedestrian bridge.
“In the coming days, we will examine further actions taken by the previous administration and make decisions that serve the best interests of the state,” the statement concluded.
On Wednesday, Okpebholo announced the dissolution of executives of all boards in Edo State.
The governor also sacked all political appointees, adding that permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state’s public service have equally been relieved of their appointments.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies and Parastatals in Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.
“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.
“Accordingly, all affected appointees are to hand over all Government properties in their possession to the most senior Public Officer in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” a statement issued by his chief press secretary reads.
