In tandem with the tone for of his new administration, Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has cancelled all forms of consultancy services in the state, directing strict compliance by ministries, agencies, and departments of government.
The directive also noted that all financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to put on hold immediately.
The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, stated in a communication notice that “all financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending the submission of the report by the Review Committee, established by the governor.”
“All Accounting Officers, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive.”
The notice further reads, “the attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the continuous collection of revenue across the state by unlicensed agents and touts who do not have the authority of the government to do so.
“While the suspension of all non-commissioned officials in the collection of revenue remains in place, henceforth only statutory and licensed revenue collectors are mandated to operate and collect revenue on behalf of the government, especially in motor parks and other spheres of commercial activities.”
“The public is hereby notified to report any unlicensed agent to the police, as the government will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those found wanting in this regard. These miscreants, their sponsors, and agents are warned not to test the iron will of this government and its determination to secure the lives and property of the good people of Edo State.”
Since his emergence, the new governor has taken steps to rejig the system and ensure the implementation of his campaign promises. Including the order to freeze all state-owned bank accounts with immediate effect until further notice.
