Newly inaugurated Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered an indefinite suspension of revenue collection across the state, particularly in motor parks and related locations. This directive, effective immediately, is part of the Governor’s broader commitment to review and address issues in the state’s revenue collection system.
The announcement was made through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Fred Itua, on Tuesday. The statement clarified that anyone found collecting revenue on behalf of the state government would face immediate arrest, as directed by the state’s Commissioner of Police. “The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenues on behalf of the State Government,” the statement read.
Governor Okpebholo affirmed that the current suspension will allow time to review concerns surrounding the revenue collection practices in Edo State. He emphasized that the state government would issue further guidance after completing the review. “The Governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives soon. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenues on behalf of the State Government,” the statement added.
The directive marks a significant first move by Okpebholo, who was sworn in at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, bringing an end to the eight-year tenure of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki. Okpebholo, alongside his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, took the oath of office at 12:55 pm and afterward received warm applause as he toured the stadium in an open van, waving to supporters.
The governor’s decisive action aims to restore transparency in Edo’s revenue operations and underscores his commitment to a new approach in state governance.
