In a significant move aimed at enforcing financial oversight, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement issued on Thursday, said the directive by his principal demanded strict compliance from commercial banks and state officials, with severe penalties for any breaches.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that “all bank accounts in all commercial banks have been frozen” as he directed heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure full compliance.
It indicated further that the accounts will remain frozen until a comprehensive investigation and reconciliation of state finances are completed.
This decisive action marks Governor Okpebholo’s early focus on tightening fiscal controls as he settles into office. “After the necessary investigations, we will determine the way forward. For now, this order stands,” the Governor stated.
In addition to freezing the state’s accounts, Governor Okpebholo announced the reversion of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its former title, the Ministry of Works.
The renaming has undone a decision made during former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Okpebholo called the previous title misleading, stating that no substantial road or bridge projects were carried out under Obaseki.
“It is ironic to have a Ministry of Roads and Bridges when no bridges were constructed during the previous administration—not even a pedestrian bridge,” Okpebholo said.
The Governor’s remarks hint at his administration’s focus on practical infrastructure development.
Okpebholo indicated that more reviews of policies and actions from the previous administration would follow, with the goal of implementing changes that prioritize Edo State’s best interests.