Suspension of Osagie, Lawani: Gov. Monday Okpebholo Should be Applauded – APC replies PDP’s criticism
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to suspend the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Dr. Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, over allegations of financial infractions.
The party insists that the move demonstrates the governor’s commitment to accountability and transparency; qualities it claims were absent in the previous administration under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement by Prince Peter Uwadiae Enosorogbe Igbinigie Esq, State Publicity Secretary of the party, countered the PDP’s criticisms, asserting that Okpebholo’s decision to suspend the officials aligns with global best practices.
A Stand Against Corruption
The APC emphasized that Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, unlike his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, under whom, it claimed, no official was ever suspended for corruption-related offenses.
“We never at any time heard the immediate past Governor, Godwin Obaseki, suspending anyone suspected of corruption.
“But here we have a Governor who insists that transparency, accountability, and justice must be the hallmark of his administration.”
The Party acknowledged that the allegations against Osagie and Lawani remain unproven but argued that their suspension is necessary to ensure an impartial investigation.
“As of today, the Okpebholo-led administration has not given specifics on the alleged offenses. That remains the responsibility of the investigative panel. Until then, nobody can say for certain what the offenses are,” the APC stated.
PDP’s allegations unfounded
Reacting to the PDP’s assertion that the suspensions confirm financial mismanagement under Okpebholo, the APC dismissed the claim as baseless.
The Party also refuted allegations that the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had plummeted from N8 billion to N2 billion under Okpebholo’s leadership.
“The PDP’s claims are not only false but also a deliberate attempt to mislead the people.
“Under Governor Obaseki, Edo State’s IGR stood at N8 billion before the election but dropped to N6 billion during the election period due to various factors.
“However, since the appointment of Bankole Balogun as Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Board, the IGR has risen to N10 billion as declared for January 2025,” the APC explained.
On Local Government suspensions
The Party also responded to PDP’s concerns regarding the suspension of local government chairmen, asserting that Governor Okpebholo has no direct involvement in these actions.
It clarified that the suspensions were actions taken by the legislative arms of the respective local government councils, in line with constitutional provisions.
“No local government in Edo State has been run outside the law, and none have been denied funding, contrary to the false claims by the PDP.”
“The Governor is working in harmony with the acting chairmen appointed by the legislative arms of the various councils, and relative peace has been restored in Edo.”
Election Tribunal and PDP’s Petition
Addressing ongoing election tribunal proceedings, the APC dismissed PDP’s claim that Osagie and Lawani were suspended for failing to deliver funds meant for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to produce witnesses in court.
The PDP’s assertion is purely imaginary, the APC said; “INEC operates on an annual fiscal budget, independent of any political party, including the ruling APC.
“The commission’s decision not to call witnesses in court is a standard legal practice, as documentary evidence typically speaks for itself under the legal principle of res ipsa loquitur (the facts speak for themselves).”
The party maintained that the burden of proof in election petitions lies with the petitioner, not INEC.
“If the INEC had called witnesses, it would have been assisting the petitioners in proving their case, which goes against legal principles.
“Instead, the commission has presented its documentary evidence, and the court will decide based on that,” the statement concluded.
Conclusion
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability under Governor Okpebholo.
It urged the PDP to refrain from spreading misinformation and to allow due process to take its course in both the suspensions and the election tribunal proceedings.
“Governor Okpebholo is on top of Edo State’s affairs, ensuring that governance is conducted within the rule of law.
The administration remains focused on delivering a new lease of life to the people, and anyone who crosses the red line of accountability will face the appropriate consequences,” the statement read.
