Okpebholo orders immediate freezing of state bank accounts, others

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts until further notice.

This directive was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.

The governor also warned commercial banks, heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order immediately without any delays.

Okpebholo said that anyone, including heads of MDAs and civil servants, who flouts the order will face severe punishment.

“All bank accounts in all commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the coffers of the government until further notice.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must comply with this order and ensure full compliance without any delays.

“After necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will take appropriate actions and decide on the way forward. For now, this order stands,” the statement read.

Additionally, the governor has directed relevant government agencies to revert the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the Ministry of Works. The renamed ministry title was introduced during the administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Okpebholo stated that, as no bridges or significant roads were constructed by Obaseki’s administration, it is therefore illogical to maintain such a name.

The governor has ordered the immediate implementation of the new title by relevant government agencies.

“It is ironic to call a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges when not a single bridge was built by the previous administration—not even a pedestrian bridge.

“In the coming days, we will review more actions taken by the previous administration, and further decisions will be made in the best interest of the State,” the statement added.