By Idahosa Musa
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Barr. Samson Osagie and the Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawal, from offices over allegations of financial infractions.
The suspension of the duo which was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq. is with immediate effect.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo consequently ordered the setting up of a panel to investigate the allegations against Osagie and Lawal and make appropriate recommendations to the governor.
The statement thus read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension from office, of the Chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawal, and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, 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 Lawal 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 investigation.”
Meanwhile, the suspended Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, has denied allegations of financial misconduct leveled against him.
He made the denial in a statement he personally signed early Thursday morning (Nigeria time).
Osagie who criticized the State Government’s failure to confront him with any allegations before his suspension was made publicly, also denied involvement in any financial infractions with anyone.
“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,” Osagie said.
He, however, affirmed his readiness to defend himself and protect his reputation, which he said he has built over the years.
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