Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a directive to immediately freeze all bank accounts belonging to the state government.
The governor’s order, conveyed in a statement by his spokesperson Fred Itua, comes amid ongoing investigations and financial reconciliations within the state administration.
“All bank accounts in all commercial banks are now frozen,” the statement read. “Commercial banks must ensure strict adherence and prevent any withdrawal from government accounts until further notice.”
Governor Okpebholo warned that non-compliance by commercial banks, as well as heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), would result in severe penalties.
The governor stated that the necessary investigations and financial reconciliations would determine subsequent actions to be taken.
Explaining the rationale behind the account freeze, the governor cited the need for thorough financial oversight and accountability.
“Necessary investigations and financial reconciliations would determine subsequent actions,” the statement said.
In a related move, Governor Okpebholo has also ordered the immediate reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its former name – the Ministry of Works.
The governor justified this decision by citing the “lack of completed bridges or significant road projects” under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges.
“It is ironic that despite its name, the ministry did not construct a single bridge, not even a pedestrian one,” the governor stated.
The directive mandates the immediate implementation and reflection of the new name “Ministry of Works” across all official documents and platforms.
