The Traffic

Shocker in Edo! Okpebholo Cleans House: Fires Perm Secs, Suspends Revenue Collection

By Achimi Muktar

In a dramatic move just 24 hours after taking office, the new Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has wasted no time shaking up the state administration. On Wednesday, the governor dissolved all executive boards, agencies, and parastatals across the state, targeting high-ranking officials and permanent secretaries who were appointed from outside the civil service.

This bold move, which sent shockwaves through the state's political and administrative circles, marks Okpebholo's intention to enforce a strict "no-nonsense" approach to governance. The governor's immediate orders included a blanket suspension on the collection of revenues across the state, particularly in motor parks, citing the need to address underlying issues before revenue collection could resume.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo declared that all affected appointees must relinquish government properties to the most senior public officers in their ministries, departments, and agencies.

“The dissolution of executives of all boards, agencies, and parastatals is with immediate effect. All permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state civil service and political appointees are also relieved of their duties," the statement read, adding that "government properties must be handed over at once."

This sweeping action comes as part of Okpebholo’s vision to reform the state’s bureaucracy and enhance transparency. The governor’s decision to halt revenue collection indefinitely aims to curb corruption and exploitation by some individuals who allegedly abuse the system. He ordered the state Commissioner of Police to ensure compliance, warning that anyone caught flouting the directive would be arrested.

"The governor is serious about cleaning up the system,” the statement continued. "No one is allowed to collect revenues on behalf of the government until further notice. The police are authorized to arrest offenders."

As the dust settles from this administrative shake-up, Okpebholo has also set his sights on urgent infrastructure repairs. During an inspection tour of some key roads in Benin City, the governor expressed dismay at the poor state of the roads, promising swift action to restore hope to Edo residents.

"In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, we are committed to delivering the dividends of democracy. I’ve already ordered contractors back to their sites to fix the roads. This is the time to act, and there’s no time to waste," the governor declared. He emphasized that road construction and rehabilitation would be a top priority, especially with the dry season offering a narrow window for heavy roadwork.

Among the priority areas for immediate work are the 7.5km stretch of Temboga Road, Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and Ramat Park/Slope Axis. Other key locations include Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction along the Benin-Auchi Road, where contractors are expected to mobilize right away.

Okpebholo’s decisive actions follow his inaugural address, where he vowed to "hit the ground running" and make good on his campaign promises to improve infrastructure, especially the crumbling road network that has frustrated residents for years.

In an unexpected move during his day’s tour, the governor also inaugurated a new branch of Premium Trust Bank in Benin, signaling his administration’s focus on attracting investment and boosting the state’s economy.

As the new governor implements his vision for Edo State, it’s clear that change is underway — and it's happening fast.