Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday placed the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, in Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, on indefinite suspension.
The monarch was suspended over cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain.
A statement by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua said the monarch’s Secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested following the death of a palace chief, the late John Ikhamate.
There was an uproar at the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday following the 2025 budget presentation by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
In a widely circulating video seen by Leading reporters, Okpebholo could be seen struggling to perfectly pronounce the appropriation presented to the assembly members.
After several attempts to pronounce the figure, okehpbolo said ‘Let me take this again, it is confusing me’.
Watch video below:
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, directed the 18 local government areas chairmen in the state to submit their statements of account within 48 hours.
The directive was given during a meeting with the council chairmen at the Government House in Benin City, where the governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
The statement of accounts, according to the governor, should cover the period from September 4, 2023, to date and be submitted to the Assets Verification Committee through the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Speaking at the meeting, Idahosa relayed the governor’s resolve to foster collaboration with the council bosses for the state’s progress.
He said, “I have listened to you keenly. The governor is a leader of all of us. Election has come and gone, and we are all one family. The governor has asked me to assure you that we are one family.
“Mr. Governor is committed to transparency and accountability in this government. To aid the work of the Assets Verification Committee, the governor would want you to submit your statement of accounts from September 4, 2023, to date, within the next 48 hours. This will enable the committee to perform its duties effectively and efficiently.
“The statement of accounts should be submitted through the office of the Secretary to the State Government to the Assets Verification Committee. The governor thanks you for your time.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, and Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Newman Ugiagbe, led the council bosses on a courtesy visit to the governor.
Ugiagbe expressed the chairmen’s commitment to Okpebholo’s administration, pledging to support his policies and programmes to deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
He said, “We are here to congratulate the governor and the deputy on the mandate the Edo people gave them. We also pledge our loyalty to your administration.
“Our doors are open to your instructions, policies, and programmes. We are ready to bring these policies to the grassroots to enable our people to benefit from the dividends of democracy, and we will work to ensure your administration succeeds.”
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, November 19, swore in the new Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, charging him to take the sector to the next.
Governor Okpebholo directed the Commissioner to hit the ground running, assuring him of his administration’s support in ensuring his success in his assignment.
His words: “You need to know that there are challenges ahead and we need to face the challenges head-on and ensure a vibrant, efficient and effective healthcare sector in the State.
“We need to work hard, face the challenges and move the Ministry of Health forward. This is a challenge we must face and ensure our people receive quality healthcare.
“With hard work, commitment and dedication we will deliver the dividends of democracy to the Edo people.”
Responding, Dr Oshiomole thanked the Governor for the privilege of serving the people of Edo State.
“I will do my best, put in my experiences and knowledge towards ensuring that Edo people enjoy quality healthcare services. I promise to do my best and work according to law,” he said.
In less than 24 hours after his inauguration, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered for the immediate and indefinite suspension of collection of all revenues in the state especially in motor parks until further notice.
Governor Okpebholo has also ordered the State Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone who flouts the order.
The statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua says the Governor will review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.
