Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts, directing commercial banks to comply without delay. The directive, effective immediately, applies to all government accounts and remains in effect until further notice.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo warned that heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), along with civil servants, who fail to adhere to the order will face severe consequences. “All bank accounts in commercial banks have been frozen. No funds may be withdrawn from the state’s accounts until further notice,” the statement read.

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The Governor emphasized that the freeze would remain in place pending investigations and reconciliations. After this process, further decisions will be made regarding the state’s finances.

Additionally, Governor Okpebholo has instructed relevant government agencies to rename the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, a department formerly established under the administration of Godwin Obaseki. He criticized the naming of the ministry, stating that since no significant road or bridge projects were undertaken during the previous administration, the name no longer reflects the state’s priorities.

“It’s ironic to call a ministry the ‘Ministry of Roads and Bridges’ when no bridges or even pedestrian walkways were built,” Governor Okpebholo remarked. He urged agencies to act swiftly and implement the changes to align with his vision for the state’s development.