The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the fraudulent activities and financial mismanagement that led to the suspension of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the state PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, stated that the suspension of the two officials confirmed the party’s concerns regarding financial recklessness and mismanagement.
The situation unfolded on Wednesday when Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, suspended both officials due to alleged official and financial misconduct.
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On February 5, 2025, a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, announced their suspension and the formation of a committee to investigate the allegations and provide recommendations.
The suspension would remain in effect until the investigation is concluded.
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 serious official and financial infractions. The suspension is immediate. Consequently, the Governor has directed the formation of an investigative committee to examine the allegations and make appropriate recommendations. The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and Hon. Samson Osagie is necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into these financial infractions. They will remain suspended until the investigation concludes.”
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On Thursday, Osagie denied the allegations of financial misconduct, asserting that he had never been involved in any financial wrongdoing.
He stated that he was not confronted with the allegations before his suspension and was ready to defend himself to clear his name and reputation.
Aziegbemi further emphasized that the suspensions validated the PDP’s concerns about widespread financial mismanagement, maladministration, and illegality under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership. He argued that the suspensions merely scratched the surface of broader systemic corruption, misuse of public funds, and legal violations occurring under the governor’s administration.
He added, “These issues are just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to systemic corruption, misallocation of public funds, and clear legal breaches under the governor’s watch. Despite the suspensions, only a full investigation will uncover the full extent of the corruption and organized theft carried out by these officials, who have regained control of the state’s finances in just 85 days of Okpebholo’s administration.”
He further criticized the administration for illegal actions, such as removing elected council chairpersons with force and mishandling local government funds, which led to a drastic decrease in the state’s internally generated revenue from N8bn to N2bn monthly. He called on the Federal Government to urgently address the executive misconduct in Edo State, restore local governments to their duly elected officials, and ensure their autonomy to promote grassroots development.
Aziegbemi also urged security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, the police, and the EFCC, to investigate the financial recklessness and fraudulent activities within the government over the past two months.
