•Suspends revenue collection, orders arrest of defaulters
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, dissolved all boards of agencies and parastatals in the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement, also said all permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state public/civil service and political appointees have been relieved of their appointments.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of executives of all boards, agencies and parastatals in Edo State public service with immediate effect.
“In addition, all permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state public/civil service and all political appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.
“Accordingly, all the affected appointees are to handover all government properties in their possession to the most senior public officer in their respective ministries, departments and agencies,” the statement said.
In a related development, the governor ordered for the immediate and indefinite suspension of collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice.
He also urged the Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone who flouts the order.
A statement by Itua said the governor would review the issues surrounding the collection of revenues soon and decide on the way forward.
“The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely. Anyone seen collecting revenues on behalf of the state government will be arrested.
“The Commissioner of Police is, hereby, ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenues on behalf of the state government.
“The Governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives soon. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenues on behalf of the state government,” the statement said.
Barely 24 hours after he assumed office, Governor Okpebholo, has also ordered contractors to return to sites and immediately fix failed portions within the Benin metropolis.
He gave the directive during an inspection tour of Upper Mission Extension Road by Aduwawa Junction and the Ramat Park axis in Benin City.
Speaking at the failed portion of the road by Aduwawa Junction, Governor Okpebholo said his administration was committed to restoring the hope of Edo people.
He decried the bad state of the roads and assured the people that work would commence immediately, as he was in a hurry to bring the dividends of democracy to the people, stressing that Edo people deserved good and motorable roads.
“During the campaigns, I promised that I was going to hit the ground running. Today, I ordered contractors back to sites. We have no time to waste.
“We promised our people that we would fix and construct the roads. There is only one dry season in a year. This is the time to immediately move to sites and fix the roads.
“So, Edo people should expect good things to happen. We will fix our roads and ensure that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Governor Okpebholo said.
Some of the work expected to commence immediately, include the 7.5km Temboga Road, Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and Ramat Park – Slope axis.
Similarly, other parts of the state capital to experience immediate mobilisation of contractors are Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.
Governor Okpebholo was sworn in as the sixth governor of Edo State on Tuesday, October 12, 2024. During his inaugural speech, he promised to prioritise road construction, among others, in the course of his administration.