Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced an immediate freeze on all state-owned bank accounts held in commercial banks across the state.
This directive, which will remain in effect until further notice, requires strict adherence from all involved financial institutions and government bodies.
The announcement was made through a statement from Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, who confirmed the decision on Thursday in Benin City.
Okpebholo warned that any non-compliance from commercial banks or officials in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would be met with strict disciplinary action.
“All state accounts in commercial banks have been frozen,” the governor declared. “Commercial banks must comply without exception, ensuring that no funds are withdrawn from government accounts until further instructions are issued.”
Additionally, Okpebholo has reversed the name of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to its original designation as the Ministry of Works, a change instituted during former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure.
Okpebholo criticized the previous administration for its lack of infrastructure progress, stating, “It is ironic to name a ministry ‘Roads and Bridges’ when not a single bridge or significant road project was completed under the last administration. Even a pedestrian bridge was not constructed.”
The governor emphasized that the reversion to the Ministry of Works more accurately reflects the current priorities of his administration. “Effective immediately, all government bodies must adopt the ministry’s original name in all official documents,” he stated.
