Edo PDP urges EFCC to probe attorney-general, LG fee chair’s suspension

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has known as on the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee to analyze the fraudulent actions and monetary recklessness that led to the suspension of the Legal professional Normal and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Edo State Native Authorities Service Fee, Damian Lawani.

In an announcement on Thursday, the state chairman of the social gathering, Tony Aziegbemi, stated the suspension of the duo validated the PDP’s considerations about reckless monetary mismanagement.

The drama unfolded on Wednesday because the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, suspended each officers over alleged official and monetary infractions.

In a letter dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Authorities, Umar Ikhilor, Okpebholo additionally ordered the institution of a committee to analyze the allegations in opposition to them and make applicable suggestions.

Ikhilor acknowledged that they might stay suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The letter learn: “It’s hereby introduced for the data of most people that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has permitted the suspension from workplace of the Chairman of the Edo State Native Authorities Service Fee, Hon. Damian Lawani, and the Honourable Legal professional Normal and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and monetary infractions. The suspension is with quick impact.

“Consequently, the Governor has ordered the institution of an investigative committee to look at the allegations in opposition to them and make applicable suggestions.

“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honourable Legal professional Normal and Commissioner for Justice turned essential to allow the federal government to conduct an intensive investigation into the allegations of monetary infractions. They’re to stay suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

On Thursday, Osagie denied any monetary wrongdoing, stating that he was ready to defend himself.

He stated, “My consideration has simply been drawn to a authorities particular announcement dated 5 February 2025, by which I used to be alleged to have been engaged in monetary infractions with the Chairman of the Native Authorities Service Fee and subsequently suspended.

“Let me state unequivocally that I’m not, and have by no means been, concerned in any monetary dealings with anybody, nor have I dedicated any monetary infraction of any variety.

“I used to be additionally not confronted with the stated allegations earlier than my suspension was introduced.

“I’m ready to defend myself and show my innocence as a way to clear my title and hard-earned fame, which I’ve laboured to construct through the years.”

Talking additional, Aziegbemi stated the suspension of the duo over allegations of grave monetary infractions validated the PDP’s considerations about reckless monetary mismanagement, maladministration, and illegality below the management of Senator Monday Okpebholo.

He added, “These findings merely scratch the floor of systemic corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and blatant authorized violations occurring proper below the governor’s watch. Regardless of these suspensions, solely an intensive investigation can reveal the complete extent of the corruption and organised theft dedicated by these disempowered politicians, who’ve regained management of public funds in simply 85 days of Okpebholo’s administration.

“From illegally ousting duly elected council chairpersons utilizing thugs to misappropriating funds meant for native authorities staff and mishandling income technology—leading to a drop within the state’s internally generated income from about N8bn to N2bn month-to-month—the scenario displays widespread maladministration and entrenched corruption.

“We name on the Federal Authorities to urgently handle this govt misconduct in Edo State, restore native governments to their duly elected officers, and uphold their autonomy to foster inclusive grassroots improvement. We additionally urge related safety companies, together with the Division of State Companies (DSS), the navy, the police, and the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC), to analyze the fraudulent actions and monetary recklessness characterising the federal government’s operations over the previous two months.”

When requested for a remark, the state publicity secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, stated his social gathering would situation an announcement on the matter on Friday.