All state-owned accounts in commercial banks must be immediately frozen until further notice, according an order from Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State.
The Governor also reverted the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the original Ministry of Works.
But in a statement released to reporters in Benin City on Thursday, Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, cautioned commercial banks and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to follow the directive right away.
Additionally, Okpebholo issued a warning that anyone who disobeyed the directive would face harsh consequences, including civil servants and MDA chiefs.
He claims that all of the commercial banks’ bank accounts have been frozen. Until further notice, commercial banks must abide by the directive and make sure that no money is taken out of the government’s coffers.
“Ministries, departments, and agencies’ heads are required to follow this directive and guarantee complete compliance right now.
“The Governor will take the appropriate action and determine the best course of action following the required investigations and reconciliations. “This order stands for the time being,” he stated.
The governor, meantime, pointed out that the Ministry of Roads and Bridges was notoriously conceived under the administration of Godwin Obaseki and changed its name back to the previous Ministry of Works.
The governor went on to say that it is ridiculous to keep such a moniker as the Obaseki administration did not build any bridges or good roads.
As a result, he directed all pertinent government organizations to adopt the new directive and promptly adopt the new name.
It’s amusing that a government agency may be referred to as the Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, the same administration did not construct any bridges. Not even a bridge for pedestrians.
“More decisions will be made in the state’s best interest, and we will examine more actions taken by the previous administration in the days ahead,” he continued.