Twenty-four hours after his swearing-in, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, approved the dissolution of the executive of all boards, agencies, and parastatals in the state public service with immediate effect. The directive also affected all permanent secretaries who were appointed outside the state civil service. The governor’s decision is part of efforts to streamline the state’s administrative structure and ensure alignment with his new vision for governance.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo ordered all affected appointees to hand over all government properties in their possession to the most senior public officers in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. The governor emphasized that this move would help reset the state’s public service in preparation for new leadership that could drive the governor’s agenda forward.
“The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of the executives of all boards, agencies, and parastatals in Edo State Public Service with immediate effect. In addition, all permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state public/civil service and all political appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments,” the statement read. This move follows Governor Okpebholo’s earlier promise to re-organize the state’s bureaucracy to improve service delivery and foster a more efficient government.
In another major directive, Governor Okpebholo ordered the immediate suspension of all revenue collection activities across the state, particularly in motor parks, until further notice. The suspension is meant to address concerns surrounding the management of revenue collection, with the governor promising to review the entire system in the coming weeks. The state government had been receiving complaints regarding unauthorized revenue collection practices, particularly in motor parks, and the governor has moved to clamp down on these activities to ensure a more transparent and accountable system.
“The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice. The governor said he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward,” the statement continued. Governor Okpebholo made it clear that any individual or group found collecting revenue on behalf of the state government would be arrested. He instructed the state’s Commissioner of Police to ensure strict enforcement of the suspension.
Governor Okpebholo also toured various infrastructure projects in Benin City, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with the poor state of roads in key parts of the city. During an inspection of the Upper Mission Extension Road by Aduwawa Junction and the Ramat Park Axis, he lamented the deplorable conditions of the roads and immediately ordered contractors to return to work. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the state had one dry season each year and that this was the optimal time to carry out major repairs.
“During the campaigns, I promised that I was going to hit the ground running. Today, I have ordered contractors back to the sites. We have no time to waste,” Okpebholo said. The governor made it clear that fixing roads would be one of his administration’s top priorities. He added that the people of Edo State could expect visible improvements in their daily lives as the state’s infrastructure was developed and maintained.
Work is expected to begin immediately on several critical road projects, including the 7.5 km Temboga Road, the Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and the Ramat Park/Slope Axis. Other major road works planned for immediate commencement include Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction, both along the Benin/Auchi Road. Governor Okpebholo reiterated that his administration would not waste any time in delivering on its promises and ensuring that the people of Edo State enjoy the dividends of democracy through improved roads and better infrastructure.
“The state’s road network is in a poor state, and we cannot afford to delay any further. We must fix these roads so that our people can have better access to key areas of the state. This is just the beginning. The people of Edo State should expect more good things to come,” the governor said.
The governor’s actions are in line with his campaign promises, where he pledged to prioritize road construction and development. His commitment to infrastructure was a major theme in his inaugural speech on Tuesday. Okpebholo stressed that the state government would continue to work with contractors and local stakeholders to ensure that road repairs and construction were done efficiently and to high standards.
In addition to his infrastructure focus, Governor Okpebholo’s tour included the inauguration of a new branch of Premium Trust Bank in Benin City. The new branch is expected to boost economic activity in the area and offer improved banking services to the residents of Edo. The bank’s inauguration is part of the governor’s broader plan to enhance the state’s economy by attracting more investments and creating job opportunities for the people of Edo.
Governor Okpebholo’s swift actions in his first 24 hours in office have been well-received by many in the state, with residents expressing optimism that his leadership will bring much-needed changes to Edo State. With his focus on infrastructure, governance reform, and economic development, many are hopeful that his administration will restore public trust and deliver on its promises.
