Financial Malpractices: Okpebholo Axes Osagie, Lawani.

Edo state governor, Sen Monday Okpebholo, has suspended two key members of his administration, the state Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie and Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.

Both were suspended with immediate effect on Wednesday over their alleged involvement in financial infractions.

The suspension was announced in a government release same day and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq. 

The governor, according to the release, also ordered the setting up of a panel to investigate the allegations levelled against the two officials of financial infractions levelled against with a view to making appropriate recommendations to the governor.

“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension from office, of the Chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions. The suspension is with immediate effect.

“Consequently, the Governor has ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.

“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawal and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them. They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of investigation.”

In a swift response via a statement he personally signed early Thursday morning, the axed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice denied charges allegations leveled against him.

Osagie who raised dust over the state government's failure to confront him with any allegations before his suspension was made public, and also denied involvement in any financial infractions of any sort with anyone.

“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind.

“I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced,” he said, adding that he is ready to defend himself and protect his reputation