Dr. Samson Osagie, the recently suspended Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, has strongly denied the allegations of financial infractions leveled against him. In a statement issued in response to his suspension, Osagie declared his innocence, promising to defend himself and clear his name.
The suspension, which was announced publicly on February 5, 2025, came after allegations that Osagie had engaged in financial misconduct in connection with the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani. In his statement, Osagie expressed surprise at the move, emphasizing that he was never confronted with the allegations before the suspension was imposed. He firmly stated that he had not been involved in any financial dealings with anyone nor committed any financial infractions.
Osagie’s statement reads: “My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated 5th February, 2025 in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government service commission and therefore suspended. 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.”
The suspended commissioner made it clear that he had not been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the suspension was made public. Despite this, Osagie expressed his determination to prove his innocence. He added, “I shall be ready, willing, and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard-earned reputation, which I have labored to build over the years.” This statement highlights Osagie’s confidence in his ability to clear his name in the face of what he perceives as unjust allegations.
In addition to Osagie’s suspension, Hon. Damian Lawani, the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, was also suspended. Both suspensions were announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, who stated that the suspensions were immediate and would remain in effect pending the completion of an investigation into the allegations. The state government has established an Investigative Committee to look into the matter, and this committee is expected to make recommendations based on its findings.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, in his statement, emphasized the necessity of the suspensions, explaining that the government needed to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of financial misconduct. He noted that the suspensions would allow the investigation to proceed without interference. The investigation will seek to determine the validity of the claims against Osagie and Lawani, and the committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the governor.
Osagie, for his part, remains resolute in his stance that he has done nothing wrong. He has rejected any claims of financial misconduct and is prepared to face the investigation head-on. His statement also expressed regret over the circumstances that led to the suspension, underscoring the fact that he had been a dedicated public servant and had worked tirelessly to uphold the integrity of his office.
This development comes on the heels of another high-profile suspension in the state. Earlier in January 2025, Governor Okpebholo suspended Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the State Flood Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), over allegations of insubordination. Momoh’s suspension was related to his involvement in a ceremony that the governor had previously ordered to be suspended. This marks the second suspension in a short period, indicating a growing trend of disciplinary actions taken by the state government.
As for Osagie, the outcome of the investigation will determine whether he can resume his duties as Attorney-General or if further actions will be taken against him. For now, he continues to maintain his innocence and is focused on proving that the allegations against him are baseless. The public awaits the findings of the Investigative Committee, which will likely have a significant impact on both Osagie’s future and the reputation of the state government.
The entire situation has raised questions about the handling of allegations within the state’s governance structure, with critics and observers watching closely to see how the investigation unfolds and what consequences will follow. Despite the challenges, Osagie remains confident that justice will prevail, and he is prepared to fight for his name and reputation.
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