Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension from office, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, over alleged financial impropriety.
Osagie’s suspension was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday night by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The statement noted that the Attorney General’s suspension became necessary to enable government carry out thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions leveled against him.
Blueprint recalls that the embattled Attorney General was appointed on November 12, 2024, and relieved of his duties, 85 days afterwards.
Besides, it was gathered that Osagie was reportedly out of the state at the time of his suspension, assisting the governor’s legal team in defending his governorship election victory at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
Similarly, the governor also wielded the “big stick” on the Chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani.
Lawani was suspended over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.
The SSG in a statement said the suspension is with immediate effect.
The statement explained that the governor has ordered the setting up of a Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the two officials and make appropriate recommendations.
It noted that they would remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Hon. Samson Osagie has denied allegations of financial misconduct.
In a statement he issued on Thursday, Osagie said: “I was never involved in any financial infractions.”
He emphasised that he was at no time confronted with the allegations before the suspension was publicly announced.
Osagie added: “I’m ready to defend myself and protect my reputation I have built over the years.”
