Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo orders the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts. The governor mandates full compliance from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, threatening penalties for violations. The freeze is part of ongoing investigations and reforms. Okpebholo also reverses the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the Ministry of Works.
In a dramatic move on Thursday, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, issued an immediate directive to freeze all state-owned bank accounts. The order applies to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and extends to commercial banks operating in the state. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that failure to comply would lead to severe penalties, sending a strong message to those involved in managing state finances.
The Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the freeze in a statement, explaining that all government transactions were to cease until further notice. Okpebholo's government is reportedly conducting investigations and reconciliations, with a promise to take necessary actions based on the findings. The freezing of the accounts is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure transparency in government financial activities.
In addition to the financial freeze, Governor Okpebholo has also ordered the reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, renaming it back to the Ministry of Works. This move comes after the previous administration, led by Godwin Obaseki, was criticized for failing to deliver on infrastructure projects, particularly bridges. Okpebholo's government has criticized the naming of the ministry, arguing that it was absurd given the lack of completed bridges under the former administration.
The governor’s recent actions have stirred debate across political and civil circles. While his administration frames these moves as part of a broader effort to restore fiscal responsibility and transparency, critics argue that such drastic measures could disrupt ongoing government activities. As Edo State enters this new phase of leadership, all eyes remain on the governor’s next steps in addressing the state’s economic and governance challenges.
Okpebholo has pledged to continue reviewing decisions from the previous administration and take further actions as necessary, prioritizing the welfare and progress of Edo State.
