Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State issued a directive on Thursday, immediately freezing all state-owned bank accounts until further notice, demanding compliance from commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state. The announcement, made through the Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, includes a warning that any defiance from MDAs or civil servants will result in severe consequences.
According to the statement, the freeze allows the government to conduct “necessary investigations and reconciliations” before determining the next steps.
Governor Okpebholo also reversed the renaming of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, a change introduced during Godwin Obaseki’s administration, reverting it to the Ministry of Works. Citing a lack of constructed bridges or significant road development under the previous administration, the governor labeled the name as misleading and ordered immediate implementation of the change.
“It is ironic to have a Ministry of Roads and Bridges when no single bridge was constructed,” the statement read. Governor Okpebholo hinted at more changes to come as his administration assesses and addresses actions taken by his predecessor.
