Okpebholo suspends consultancy services in Edo

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has approved the suspension of all consultancy services and related providers in the state’s public service.

Umar Musa Ikhilor, the secretary to the state government (SSG), announced the suspension in a communication notice issued on Monday.

“All financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending a review by the review committee established by the governor submits its report,” the notice reads.

“All accounting officers, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive.”

Since assuming office last week, the governor has issued numerous directives aimed at shaping the affairs of the state.

On November 13, Okpebholo ordered an indefinite suspension of revenue collection in the state—including at motor parks.

He directed Umoru Ozigi, Edo commissioner of police, to arrest individuals who flout the order.

On the same day, the governor dissolved the boards of agencies and parastatals in the state.

He asked affected appointees to transfer all government properties to the highest-ranking officers in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies immediately.

On November 14, Okpebholo ordered the freezing of all bank accounts belonging to the state government.

The governor also directed relevant agencies to reverse the naming of the ministry of roads and bridges to the ministry of works—a nomenclature changed during the Godwin Obaseki administration.