From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, PhD, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.
The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., who announced this in a statement late Wednesday night, said, “The suspension is with immediate effect.
“Consequently, the Governor has ordered the setting up of an investigative committee to examine the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.
“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations of financial infractions levelled against them. They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie has denied involvement in any financial dealing with anyone.
“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 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 labored to build over the years”, Osagie said in a statement he issued to rebutt the allegations made against him.