Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a sweeping directive to freeze all state-owned bank accounts immediately, in a move that has raised eyebrows across the state. The order, which affects all commercial banks holding accounts for the state government, will remain in effect until further notice
The Governor’s decision comes amid growing scrutiny over the management of state funds and an apparent desire to ensure financial transparency and accountability. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that all relevant government bodies must comply with the freezing order without delay.
“All bank accounts in all the commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the coffers of Government until there is a further notice,” the statement read.
The order also specifically targets heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), warning that any failure to comply with the directive will result in severe consequences.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies must comply with this order and ensure that there is a full compliance without any further delays,” the statement continued.
Governor Okpebholo further clarified that after conducting necessary investigations and financial reconciliations, he would determine the next steps regarding the state’s accounts. For now, however, the freezing of accounts stands as a temporary measure.
In addition to the financial order, Governor Okpebholo has also addressed changes within the state’s administrative structure. The Governor has ordered the reversal of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to its previous name, the Ministry of Works, a move he attributed to the lack of significant infrastructure projects during the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.
“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,” Okpebholo remarked.
The Governor further emphasized that maintaining the name “Ministry of Roads and Bridges” was no longer justified, given the absence of any major road or bridge projects under the former administration.
“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,” the Governor added, signaling that further reforms and decisions will follow.
The freezing of the state’s accounts and the reversal of the ministry’s name are part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader agenda to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of Edo State’s resources. As investigations continue, the Governor has indicated that further actions may be forthcoming to address what he sees as inefficiencies in the previous administration.
The move has already sparked debates among stakeholders, with many awaiting further details on the investigations and the long-term impact of these decisions on the state’s governance.