Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the freezing of all state-owned bank accounts with immediate effect and until further notice.

The governor also warned commercial banks, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to immediately comply with the order without any delay.

In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the governor had warned that anyone, including MDA leaders and civil servants, who flouted the order would be severely punished.

“All bank accounts of all commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a single cent is withdrawn from government credits until further notice.

“Heads of ministries, departments and agencies must comply with this order and ensure that it is fully respected without further delay.

“After the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will do what is necessary and decide on the path to follow. For the moment, this order is maintained,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the governor has directed relevant government agencies to transfer the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the Ministry of Public Works.

The infamous inverted name was conceptualized during the administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Governor Okpebholo said since no bridges or good roads were built by the Obaseki administration, it is therefore absurd to retain such a name.

The governor therefore ordered relevant government agencies to implement the new order and reflect the new name immediately.

“It’s funny how you can call a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, neither 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 more decisions will be made that will be made in the best interest of the state,” the statement concluded.

Friday Olokor

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