Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the immediate freezing of all state-owned accounts in commercial banks until further notice.
According to the reporter, the Governor also reverted the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to its original title, the Ministry of Works.
In a statement released today in Benin City, Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, cautioned commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order promptly.
Governor Okpebholo also warned that any individual, including MDA heads and civil servants, who disregards the directive would face strict penalties.
He stated that all bank accounts in commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks are required to follow the order and ensure that no funds are withdrawn from the government’s accounts until further notice.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must adhere to this directive and ensure complete compliance without any further delays.”
After conducting the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will take appropriate action and determine the next steps. For now, the order remains in effect,” he stated.
Additionally, the Governor, who changed the name of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to the original Ministry of Works, pointed out that the former name was poorly conceived during Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
He further stated that since the Obaseki administration did not construct any bridges or quality roads, it would be absurd to retain such a name.
He then directed all relevant government agencies to enforce the new order and promptly adopt the updated name.
“It’s absurd to name a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges when not a single bridge was built by the same administration, not even a pedestrian bridge,” he said.
“In the coming days, we will review more actions taken by the previous administration, and further decisions will be made for the benefit of the state,” he added.
