Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday weilded the big stick with the suspension of two top aides over “allegations of grave official and financial infractions”.
The suspended officials are the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, Ph.D.
Their suspension which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement Wednesday night by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
“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 cary 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 statement said.
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.
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.
