Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a directive to immediately freeze all state-owned bank accounts. This decision, announced on Thursday, mandates commercial banks, as well as heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to fully comply without delay.
Governor Okpebholo warned that any MDA heads or civil servants who disregard this order will face serious consequences. “All bank accounts across commercial banks are now frozen. No funds should be withdrawn until further notice,” he stated, emphasizing the need for strict adherence from all parties involved.
The Governor clarified that this measure aims to facilitate necessary investigations and financial reconciliations. “Once the review is complete, we will determine the appropriate steps forward. Until then, the freeze remains in place,” the statement read.
In a related move, Governor Okpebholo has abolished the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, reverting it to its former title, the Ministry of Works. This reversion undoes a rebranding made under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki. Okpebholo criticized the previous administration, stating, “It is unreasonable to retain the title when no significant roads or bridges were constructed under Obaseki’s tenure.”
The Governor has instructed all relevant agencies to implement the name change immediately across official documentation and communications.