Gov Okpebholo orders immediate freeze of Edo bank accounts, renames Ministry
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate freeze of all state-owned bank accounts, effective from Thursday, until further notice.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor instructed all commercial banks, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to comply immediately. The directive warned that MDAs or civil servants who fail to adhere will face strict penalties.
The governor stated that after completing investigations and account reconciliations, further actions would be determined.
Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo directed the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to revert to its original name, the Ministry of Works.
He criticized the previous administration under Godwin Obaseki for adopting the former title, pointing out that it failed to deliver on significant bridge or road infrastructure projects.
The statement reads: “All bank accounts in all the commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the confers of Government until there is a further notice.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies must comply with this order and ensure that there is a full compliance without any further delays.
“After the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will do the needful and decide on the way forward. For now, this order stands.
“The reversed infamous name was conceptualised during the administration of Godwin (Godwin) Obaseki.
“Governor Okpebholo said since no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of Obaseki, it is therefore absurd to maintain such a name.
“It is funny how you can call a government institution Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.
“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the state.”
