Edo State’s newly inaugurated Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced an indefinite suspension of all revenue collections across the state, particularly in motor parks and other public venues. The governor’s directive was communicated in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Fred Itua, who emphasized that this suspension will remain until further notice.
In addition to halting revenue collections, Governor Okpebholo directed the state’s commissioner of police to enforce the order by arresting any individuals who attempt to collect revenue on behalf of the state government.
“The collection of revenues in the State has been suspended indefinitely. Anyone seen collecting revenues on behalf of the State Government will be arrested,” the statement read. “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.”
Governor Okpebholo has pledged to review the situation surrounding revenue collections and will provide further guidance in the near future.
This suspension comes shortly after Governor Okpebholo was sworn into office on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, succeeding Godwin Obaseki, who served as governor for eight years.
The inauguration ceremony, which marked a new chapter for the state, was attended by supporters who celebrated the governor and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, as they took their oaths and greeted the crowd.
