By Olaitan Ibrahim
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie over “allegations of grave official and financial infractions”.
The suspension by Okpebholo which took an 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 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 statement said.
Meanwhile, the suspended Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, has denied allegation of financial misconduct leveled against him.
Osagie who made the denial in a statement he personally signed early Thursday morning, criticised the State Government’s failure to confront him with any allegations before his suspension was made public.
He 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.