Gov Okpebholo Suspends State Attorney-General, Chairman, LG Service Commission
…”I was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone” – Samson Osagie
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie and the chairman, state Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani over alleged “grave official and financial infractions.”
In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhili, and made available to newsmen in Benin, stated that the duo suspension suspension is with immediate effect.
According to statement, “the suspension of Dr. Samson Osagie, Honorable
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Hon. Damian Lawani, chairman, state Local Government Service Commission, became necessary to enable Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions leveled against them.
“They are to remain suspended
pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.
The SSG in the statement added that Governor Okpebholo has consequently ordered the setting up of an “Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations
levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of Edo State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie has reacted and debunked the allegations of grave financial infraction leveled against him.
In a statement, released after the suspension, Dr. Osagie said, “My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated 5th February, 2025 in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government service commission and therefore suspended.
“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.
“I will be prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard earned reputation which I have labored to build over the years”.
