Gov Monday Okpebholo suspends consultancy services in Edo

• The state commissioner for justice, Hon. Samson Osagie warned that revenue collection is a matter of law and NOT politics.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has greenlighted the immediate halt of all consultancy services and related providers in the state’s public sector.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, this development was announced in a communication notice by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

“All financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending a review by the Review Committee, established by the Governor, which submits its report.

“All Accounting Officers, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive,” the statement said.

Earlier, at a press conference in Benin, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, informed journalists that only licensed agents of the Edo State Revenue Service are authorized to collect revenue in the state.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the continuous collection of revenue across the state by unlicensed agents and touts who do not have the authority of the government to do so.

“While the suspension of all non-commissioned officials in the collection of revenue remains in place, henceforth only statutory and licensed revenue collectors are mandated to operate and collect revenue on behalf of the government, especially in motor parks and other spheres of commercial activities.

“The public is hereby notified to report any unlicensed agent to the police, as the government will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those found wanting in this regard. These miscreants, their sponsors, and agents are warned not to test the iron will of this government and its determination to secure the lives and property of the good people of Edo State,” he warned.

Also speaking, State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, cautioned that anyone collecting revenue in the state without a license from the Edo Revenue Service is committing a crime and liable to arrest by security operatives.

He emphasized that revenue collection is a legal matter, not a political one.

“The point being made today is that if you are collecting revenue and you are not licenced by the Edo Revenue Service, you are committing a crime and liable to arrest,” Osagie said.