Edo Governor Okpebholo Orders Immediate Freeze On All State Bank Accounts

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued an order to freeze all government bank accounts, a directive that went into effect immediately. 

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Thursday, the governor instructed all commercial banks, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order, warning of severe consequences for any violations.

“All state bank accounts with commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with this order and ensure that not a single naira is withdrawn from government coffers until further notice,” the statement reads. 

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The governor explained that this action is necessary for thorough investigations and account reconciliations. Following this process, he will decide on further steps.

In addition to the freeze, Okpebholo directed that the Ministry of Roads and Bridges be renamed the Ministry of Works, restoring its title from before the Godwin Obaseki administration.

Criticizing the previous administration, Okpebholo stated, “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 — not even a pedestrian bridge.” 

The governor hinted that more reviews of the prior administration’s actions are forthcoming to determine the best course for the state.