The Edo State Government has suspended its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, over allegations of “grave official and financial misconduct.”
The suspension was announced on Thursday morning in Benin, the state capital, by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor. In a statement, Ikhilor explained that the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of the Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, and the Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions,” Ikhilor stated.
He added that the governor has set up an investigative committee to look into the allegations and make appropriate recommendations.
“The suspension of Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions leveled against them. The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the SSG said.
The suspension comes less than three months after the two officials were appointed, raising concerns about the nature of the allegations and the impact on governance in the state.
