From Tony Osauzo, Benin City
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered immediate freezing of all the state government’s bank accounts until further notice.
The governor, who gave the directive in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, yesterday in Benin, warned that non-compliance by the commercial banks, as well as heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), would result in severe penalties.
“All bank accounts in all commercial banks are now frozen. Commercial banks must ensure strict adherence and prevent any withdrawal from the government’s accounts until further notice,” the statement said.
Okpebholo stated that necessary investigations and financial reconciliations would determine subsequent actions.
He also ordered the reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the old Ministry of Works with immediate effect. The reversed infamous name was conceptualised during the administration of Godwin Obaseki.
He said since no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of Obaseki, it is therefore absurd to maintain such a name.
“It is funny how you can call a government institution ministry of roads and bridges. Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.
“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the state,” he said.
The governor directed immediate implementation and reflection of the new name across official documents and platforms.