Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a directive to freeze all state-owned bank accounts with immediate effect. This measure will remain in place until further notice, according to an official statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
The governor emphasized that all commercial banks, along with heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), are required to strictly adhere to the order without delay. He warned that any official, including civil servants, who disregards the directive will face serious consequences.
The statement read: “All bank accounts in commercial banks holding government funds are now frozen. Banks must comply with this order to prevent any withdrawals until further notice. MDAs are also expected to ensure full compliance immediately.”
Governor Okpebholo explained that the freeze will allow for necessary audits and financial reconciliations to assess the state’s finances before any further decisions are made.
In addition, the governor has mandated a change for the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, reverting it to its former title, the Ministry of Works. This department was rebranded under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, though Okpebholo noted that minimal infrastructure, particularly bridges, was completed during that period.
“It’s ironic to have a Ministry of Roads and Bridges when no new bridges were built,” Okpebholo stated. “In the coming days, we’ll review more policies from the previous administration and take further actions in the best interest of the state.”
