BREAKING: Gov Okpebholo strikes, freezes all Edo state-owned bank accounts

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned accounts in commercial banks until further notice. This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring financial discipline and safeguarding public funds.

In a statement issued by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Okpebholo warned commercial banks, as well as heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to comply with the order without delay. He emphasized that any individual, including MDAs’ heads and civil servants, who violate the directive would face strict penalties.

“All commercial bank accounts belonging to the state have been frozen. Banks are required to ensure that no funds are withdrawn from the state’s accounts until further notice,” Okpebholo said. “Heads of MDAs must fully comply with this order. Once investigations and reconciliations are completed, the Governor will determine the next steps. For now, this order stands.”

In addition to freezing the accounts, Governor Okpebholo reversed the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to its former name, the Ministry of Works. He criticized the previous administration, led by Godwin Obaseki, for naming the ministry after roads and bridges when no such infrastructure was built during that time.

“It is absurd to name a government ministry after roads and bridges when no bridges or significant roads were constructed. Not even a pedestrian bridge was built,” Okpebholo remarked. “We will continue to review the actions of the past administration and take further steps to act in the best interest of Edo State.”