Gov Okpebholo Orders Immediate Freezing Of Edo Bank Accounts, Renames Ministry

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued an immediate directive to freeze all state-owned bank accounts, effective Thursday, until further notice.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor cautioned all commercial banks, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply without delay.

The directive warned that any MDAs or civil servants disregarding this order would face severe consequences.

The governor noted that after investigations and account reconciliations, further decisions on the matter will be made.

Additionally, Governor Okpebholo has ordered the reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its original title, the Ministry of Works.

He criticized the previous administration’s decision under Godwin Obaseki to adopt the former name, noting the lack of new bridges or substantial road infrastructure under that administration.

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.”