From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the freezing of all state-owned bank accounts with immediate effect, until further notice.
He directed commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order immediately, without any delays.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said in a statement that the governor warned that anyone, including heads of MDAs and civil servants, who flouts the order will be severely punished.
“All bank accounts in all 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 the government until further notice.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must comply with this order and ensure full compliance without any further delays.
“After the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will take appropriate action and decide on the way forward. For now, this order stands,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo has instructed the relevant government agencies to rename the Ministry of Roads and Bridges back to the Ministry of Works. The controversial name was introduced during the administration of Godwin Obaseki.
He said that since no bridges or substantial roads were constructed by Obaseki’s administration, it is therefore absurd to retain such a name.
The Governor has therefore ordered relevant government agencies to implement the new order and immediately reflect the new name.
“It is ironic to call a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges when not a single bridge was built by the same administration—not even a pedestrian bridge.
“In the coming days, we will review more actions taken by the previous administration and make further decisions that are in the best interest of the state,” he said.