JUST IN: Edo State Governor Orders Freeze On All State-Owned Bank Accounts

In a decisive move, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts. Announced in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor’s directive mandates all commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to halt withdrawals from state accounts until further notice.

This sweeping measure, which comes with a warning of severe penalties for non-compliance, is aimed at facilitating an audit of the state’s finances. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that no funds are to be withdrawn until thorough investigations and reconciliations are completed. The governor’s actions underscore his intent to enforce strict financial oversight and ensure accountability within Edo State’s administration.

In addition to freezing accounts, Okpebholo has initiated a structural change by reverting the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to its original title, the Ministry of Works. This adjustment undoes a change made by his predecessor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki. Okpebholo pointed out the irony of the ministry’s previous name, especially given the lack of bridge projects in the state under Obaseki’s administration. “It is odd to name a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, especially when not a single bridge was built by the previous administration,” he remarked.

The governor’s statement hints at further evaluations of past administrative decisions, signaling that more reforms may be on the horizon. Okpebholo has made it clear that he is willing to take bold steps to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment of government functions with the needs of Edo State residents.