Newly inaugurated Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collection activities across the state, particularly in motor parks and similar locations.
In a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Fred Itua, Okpebholo directed the state’s police commissioner to arrest anyone disregarding the order.
The governor stated he would soon review the concerns related to these collections and determine the appropriate steps forward.
“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 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 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.”
Okpebholo was sworn in as the governor of Edo State on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure in the South-South state.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the ticket to the Dennis Osadebe House.
Alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo took the oath of office at 12:55 pm, before making a celebratory ride in an open van around the stadium, greeting and waving to enthusiastic supporters.