Edo Gov Okpebholo directs immediate suspension of revenue collectors indefinitely
The newly sworn governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, directed the suspension of all revenue collections in the state, particularly at motor parks and similar areas, with immediate effect until further notice.
According to a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor directed the state Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone who defies the order.
The statement read, “The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collections in Edo, especially in motor parks and similar areas, until further notice.
“The governor stated that he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.
“The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely.”
“The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenue on behalf of the state government.
“The governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives shortly. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenue on behalf of the state government,” the statement stated.
The Informant247 reports that Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in on Tuesday by the state’s Chief Justice, Daniel Okungbowa, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had September 22, 2024, declared Monday Okpebholo winner of the Edo state 2024 governorship election.
Okpebholo was declared the winner after scoring 291,667 votes to beat his closest rival of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. In comparison, Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.
The State returning officer, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, declared Okpebholo the election winner.
