By Jethro Ibileke
In a decisive move, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the freezing of all State-owned bank accounts with immediate effect, until further notice.
According to a statement on Thursday by the CPS to the Governor, Fred Itua, the Governor warned commercial banks, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the order immediately.
He added that anyone, including heads of MDAs and civil servants who flout the order would be severely punished.
“All bank accounts in all the commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the confers of Government until there is further notice.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies must comply with this order and ensure that there is full compliance without any further delays.
“After the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will do the needful and decide on the way forward. For now, this order stands,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo has asked the relevant Government agencies to reverse the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the Ministry of Works, used during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Okpebholo, in the statement, noted that “since no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of Obaseki, it is therefore absurd to maintain such a name.”
It added: “It is funny how you can call a Government institution Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.
“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the State.”