As part of his new administration’s efforts to restore peace and security to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong directive to the Commissioner of Police to end violent cult clashes in the state within 48 hours,
The Governor, who spoke on Thursday, emphasized that the ongoing violence, particularly in Benin City, must come to an immediate halt.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have ordered law enforcement agencies to take swift action against the cult groups involved in the deadly clashes that have plagued the state in recent weeks.
In addition to the crackdown on cultism, Governor Okpebholo also announced the banning of two associations – the Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment – which he accused of fostering criminal activities and contributing to the unrest in Edo. Both organizations, particularly in Benin City, have been linked to violent confrontations and the exploitation of local communities.
“I have given the Commissioner of Police a clear directive: the madness must stop within 48 hours. All those involved in the killings and the violence must be apprehended,” the Governor said in a statement. He further directed that the police enforce the ban on the problematic associations, warning that they will no longer be allowed to operate in the state.
The Governor’s measures follow his decision on Wednesday to suspend the collection of all revenues across Edo S

Edo State Government has dismissed recent claims by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration terminated civil servants’ appointments following his inauguration.
The government described the allegations as a misrepresentation and a ‘joke taken too far,’ attributing the PDP’s statement to their struggle to recover from a heavy electoral defeat on September 21.

According to a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo has been focused on repairing what he called the “mess” left by the previous administration under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Itua emphasized that the dismissals mentioned in the PDP’s statement did not involve civil servants but rather political appointees from Obaseki’s administration.

“It is unheard of for a governor to dismiss civil servants through a media announcement,” Itua clarified.
“Those asked to vacate their positions were appointees from the last administration, not career civil servants.”

The statement also criticized the PDP faction for what it called a lack of awareness and “idle accusations.” It reassured current civil servants that they would not be affected by recent changes and reiterated the government’s commitment to following due process and the rule of law for any actions taken against political appointees from the previous administration.

The response the statement indicated is to dispel any misinformation about his administration’s early decisions, as he has hit the ground running with plans to address challenges in the state’s governance and infrastructure left by the outgoing administration.

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.