Edo’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has faulted his suspension by Governor Monday Okpebholo, barely three months of taking charge of legal affairs in the South-South state.
The suspension was announced on Wednesday night alongside that of the Chairman of the State’s Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, over alleged “grave official and financial infractions.”
Osagie was sworn in as Attorney-General on November 14, 2024.
The suspension of the duo was announced in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa lkhilor.
Ikhilor wrote: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Gov. Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.
“The suspension is with immediate effect.
“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 Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them.
“The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
However, Osagie has faulted his suspension.
His statement said, “My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated 5th February, 2925 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. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced.
“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 laboured to build over the years.”
Dr. Samson Osagie, a private legal practitioner, was called to the Nigerian Bar on March 22nd, 1995, and is Vice President of the African Bar Association (West African Region).
He served as a two-term Member of the Edo State House of Assembly and represented Edo at the House of Representatives, where he rose to the position of Minority Whip.
