Okpebholo warns against illegal revenue collection in Edo

• Inspects ongoing road constructions in Benin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, approved the immediate suspension of all consultancy services and related providers in the state’s public service.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, 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.

“All accounting officers, heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive,” the statement said.

The Edo State Government has also said that only the Edo State Revenue Service agents are, by law, approved to collect revenue in the state. Ikhilor, who remarked during a press briefing in Benin City, said: “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the continuous collection of revenue across the state by unlicensed agents and touts who do not have the authority of the government to do so.

“While the suspension of all non-commissioned officials in the collection of revenue remains in place, only statutory and licensed revenue collectors are mandated to operate and collect revenue on behalf of the government, especially in motor parks and other commercial activities.

“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.”

MEANWHILE, Okpebholo, yesterday, inspected some ongoing road construction and repairs in Benin City, the state capital. The Governor visited the Upper Mission Road Extension by Aduwawa Junction, Obadan Junction, and Benin-Auchi Expressway to ascertain the level of work done since contractors were mobilised to sites.

Okpebholo noted that the failed portions at Upper Mission Extension have made life unbearable for residents and traders in the area. He assured them that his administration was ready to work round the clock to fix the road and make Edo people happy.

The governor said his administration’s mandate is to transform the state, promising Edo people that he will key into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to make life better for them.