Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, approved the immediate suspension of all consultancy services and related providers in the state’s public service.
The governor’s spokesman Fred Itua, in a statement, said this was contained in a communication notice issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
“All financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending a review by the Review Committee, established by the Governor, which submits its report,” Ikhilor said.
“All Accounting Officers, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive.”
The Edo State Government also said that only the Edo State Revenue Service agents are by law approved to collect revenue in the state.
“While the suspension of all non-commissioned officials in the collection of revenue remains in place, henceforth only statutory and licenced revenue collectors are mandated to operate and collect revenue on behalf of the government, especially in motor parks and other spheres of commercial activities,” Ikhilor said.
“The public is hereby notified to report any unlicensed agent to the police, as the government will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those found wanting in this regard. These miscreants, their sponsors, and agents are warned not to test the iron will of this government and its determination to secure the lives and property of the good people of Edo State.”
Also speaking, State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, warned that anyone collecting revenue in the state without a licence from the Edo Revenue Service is committing a crime and liable to arrest by operatives of security agents.
He stressed that revenue collection is a matter of law and not politics.
“The point being made today is that if you are collecting revenue and you are not licenced by the Edo Revenue Service, you are committing a crime and liable to arrest,” Osagie said.
