The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate financial misconduct allegations that led to the suspension of two top government officials.
The suspended officials are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
In a statement released by the party’s state chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP raised concerns about what it described as financial mismanagement within Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. The party noted that the suspensions pointed to deeper issues of alleged corruption in the government.
“We also urge relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services, the military, the police, and the EFCC, to investigate the fraudulent activities and financial recklessness characterising the government’s operations over the past two months,” Aziegbemi said.
The suspension was officially announced on Wednesday, following allegations of financial infractions against Osagie and Lawani. Their removal brings the total number of high-ranking officials suspended under Okpebholo’s administration to three.
Two weeks earlier, the governor had also suspended the Executive Director and CEO of the State Flood Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Ahmed Momoh, over allegations of insubordination after his involvement in an unauthorized turbaning ceremony.
A letter dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, confirmed that a committee had been set up to investigate Osagie and Lawani. The letter stated that both officials would remain suspended until the investigation was concluded.
“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them. They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement noted.
However, Osagie has denied the allegations against him. He maintained that he had never engaged in any financial misconduct and was prepared to defend his reputation.
“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone until my suspension was announced. I will be 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,” Osagie stated.
The PDP insisted that the suspensions confirmed its long-standing concerns about financial mismanagement under Okpebholo’s leadership.
“These findings merely scratch the surface of systemic corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and blatant legal violations occurring right under the governor’s watch,” Aziegbemi said. “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.”
The party also accused the state government of mismanaging funds meant for local government workers, illegally removing elected council chairpersons, and significantly reducing the state’s internally generated revenue from N8 billion to N2 billion monthly.
The PDP urged the federal government to intervene in Edo State, restore local government leadership to elected officials, and ensure financial autonomy at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, stated that the party would release an official response to the matter on Friday.
