JUST-IN: Edo Gov Suspends Attorney-General, LG Commission Chair Over Alleged Fraud

As Osagie denies wrongdoing

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, and the chairman of the State’s Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, over alleged “grave official and financial infractions.”

The suspension of the duo was contained in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa lkhilor, and made available to journalists late Wednesday night.

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According to the statement, “The suspension is with immediate effect.”

It further said: “the suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani 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 the investigation,” the statement added.

The SSG, in the statement, added that the Governor Okpebholo has consequently ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to probe the allegations levelled against the two top officials and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.

Meanwhile, the suspended Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, has denied involvement in any financial fraud or dealing just as he vowed to defend himself against the allegation.

In a statement he personally signed in response to his suspension, Osagie said, “My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated 5th February, 2925 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 shall be ready, willing and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard earned reputation which I have laboured to build over the years.”