Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Nigeria, has issued a directive to freeze all state-owned bank accounts, instructing that this action take effect immediately and without exception. Commercial banks, as well as heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), have been warned to strictly comply with the order.
The announcement, made by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, emphasized that any official or civil servant who disregards the directive will face severe consequences.
“All bank accounts in all commercial banks have been frozen,” the statement read. “Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the coffers of government until there is a further notice. Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must ensure full compliance without any delays.”
Governor Okpebholo clarified that the freeze would remain in place until ongoing investigations and reconciliations are complete, after which further decisions will be made.
In addition to this directive, Governor Okpebholo announced the rebranding of the “Ministry of Roads and Bridges” back to the “Ministry of Works,” a change originally instituted by the previous administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki. Okpebholo noted that the previous administration failed to deliver on significant infrastructure projects, including bridges.
“It is absurd to call a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges when not a single bridge was constructed by the same administration—not even a pedestrian bridge,” the governor stated.
The Governor’s office indicated that more reviews of past administration actions are forthcoming, aimed at better serving the interests of Edo State.
