Edo State’s caretaker chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scrutinize what he describes as “fraudulent activities and financial recklessness” within the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
His appeal follows the recent suspension of Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Samson Osagie, and Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Damian Lawani, due to allegations of fraud.
The governor announced their suspensions on Wednesday night through a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, as conveyed by Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua. Aziegbemi interpreted these actions as indicative of deeper issues within the state’s governance.
Osagie has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting his readiness to defend his reputation against the allegations made against him.
In Aziegbemi’s statement, he stated, “The suspension of Edo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, over allegations of grave financial infractions, validates the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s concerns about reckless financial mismanagement, maladministration and illegality under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo.”
He further emphasized, “These findings merely scratch the surface of systemic corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and blatant legal violations occurring right under the governor‘s watch. Despite these suspensions, only a thorough investigation can reveal the full extent of the corruption and organised theft committed by these disempowered politicians, who have regained control of public finances in just 85 days of Okpebholo‘s administration.”
Aziegbemi highlighted critical issues including the alleged illegal ousting of elected council chairpersons and the misappropriation of funds meant for local government employees. He pointed out the concerning decline in the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from approximately N8 billion to N2 billion monthly and called for investigations from security agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, and the police alongside the EFCC.
He concluded with a call to action: “We also urge relevant security agencies to investigate the fraudulent activities and financial recklessness characterising the government’s operations over the past two months.”
