Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, and the chairman, State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani over alleged “grave official and financial infractions.”
Their suspension was contained in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa lkhilor, and made available to newsmen, Wednesday night.
However, in a swift reaction, the suspended Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Hon. Osagie, denied allegations of financial misconduct and vowed to clear defend his hard earned reputation over the years.
According to the statement, “The suspension is with immediate effect. 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”.
According to Ikhilor, the governor had consequently ordered the setting up of an “Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations
levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.”
Meanwhile in a statement issued Thursday morning Osagie said he was not involved in any financial infractions alongside the suspended Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani.
He also criticized the state government’s decision, insisting that, he was never confronted with any allegations before the suspension was publicly announced.
“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 stated.
He however, affirmed his readiness to defend himself and protect his reputation, which he has built over the years.