The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the financial misconduct and reckless spending that led to the suspension of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
In a statement on Thursday, the state chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi, emphasized that the suspension of the two officials confirmed the PDP’s concerns about financial mismanagement.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday when Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, suspended both individuals due to alleged official and financial infractions.
In a letter dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, Okpebholo announced the formation of a committee to investigate the allegations and recommend appropriate action.
The two officials will remain suspended until the investigation is concluded.
Read Also: Samson Osagie Reacts To His Suspension As Attorney-General
The letter 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 the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, 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 establishment of an investigative committee to examine the allegations against them and make appropriate recommendations.
“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of financial infractions. They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
On Thursday, Osagie denied the allegations of financial misconduct, stating he had never been involved in any such dealings.
He said he had not been confronted with the allegations before his suspension and was ready to defend his integrity.
Aziegbemi further asserted that the suspension confirmed the PDP’s concerns regarding systemic corruption, mismanagement, and illegality under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
He claimed the suspensions were only the beginning of exposing widespread corruption and public fund misappropriation that has occurred since the governor took office.
He added, “These findings merely scratch the surface of systemic corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and blatant legal violations occurring right under the governor’s watch. Despite these suspensions, only a thorough investigation can reveal the full extent of the corruption and organized theft committed by these disempowered politicians, who have regained control of public finances in just 85 days of Okpebholo’s administration.”
The PDP leader also pointed out the decline in the state’s internally generated revenue, dropping from about N8bn to N2bn monthly, as well as other acts of mismanagement and illegal actions by the governor’s administration.
The party called on the Federal Government to intervene, restore local government autonomy, and ensure proper investigation of the financial misconduct.
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