Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Hon. Samson Osagie.
He also approved the suspension from office, of the Chairman, Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani.
Secretary to the State Government,Umar Musa Ikhilor,said in a statement that both leaders were suspended over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.
It said:“Consequently,the Governor has ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly”.
According to the statement, 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,” the SSG added, noting that, “the suspension is with immediate effect.”
But Dr Samson Osagie,said he was innocent.
He 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”.