The suspended Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Samson Osagie, has categorically denied any involvement in financial misconduct following his recent suspension. Osagie issued a statement on Thursday from Benin City, asserting his intention to demonstrate his innocence regarding the allegations.
Osagie said, emphasizing his position: “I was informed of a Government announcement alleging my engagement in financial infractions alongside the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, which led to my suspension.
“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealings with anyone, nor did I commit any financial infraction of any kind.”
Osagie further expressed his discontent with the process leading to his suspension, noting that he was not formally confronted with these allegations prior to the announcement.
“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,” he added.
The announcement of Osagie’s suspension was made by Mr. Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the Edo State Government. Alongside Osagie, Damian Lawani, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, was also suspended due to reported serious official and financial infractions.
Osagie, who has served as a member of the House of Representatives, faced suspension after less than three months in his new role. This incident follows a prior suspension, where Governor Monday Okpebholo removed Mr. Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director of the State Flood Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), citing allegations of insubordination.
The situation continues to develop, with Osagie poised to challenge the claims that have led to his suspension.
