By Newsmata
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State Wednesday night ruffled feathers in the polity with the shocking suspension from office, of two key political aides – the state’s Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice, Samson Osagie, Ph.D, and the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
A terse statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Musa Umar Ikhilor and posted on the Governor Okpebholo Media Centre platform at 11.03 pm by Fred Itua, chief press secretary to the governor, accused the duo of “grave official and financial infractions”.
However, in a swift reaction, Dr. Osagie affirmed his innocence, stating that he was prepared to defend himself and clear his name.
Ikhilor’s statement read:
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office, of the Chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie Ph.D., 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 Lawani and the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice 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”.
Reacting to the development, the suspended Attorney General, in a personally signed statement, said he was not given opportunity to defend himself before his suspension.
The statement 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”.