PDP Claims Suspension of Attorney-General and LG Chairman Exposes Deeper Corruption under Okpebholo Administration.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded to the suspension of Samson Osagie, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, along with Damian Lawani, the Chairman of the Local Service Commission.

The PDP asserts that this suspension, imposed by Governor Monday Okpebholo due to serious allegations of financial misconduct, reinforces its concerns about alleged fiscal mismanagement and illegal activities under Okpebholo’s leadership.

Governor Okpebholo suspended Osagie and Lawani on January 5, 2025. In a statement released by Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the State Chairman of the PDP, he argued that these findings represent only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to systemic corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and clear legal violations happening during Governor Okpebholo’s tenure.

Aziegbemi’s statement, titled “Okpebholo’s Suspension of Osagie and Lawani Highlights Deeper Issues of Corruption and Maladministration,” stresses that without an extensive investigation, the full scope of corruption and organized theft perpetrated by these officials—who regained control of public finances in just 85 days—will remain hidden.

He further alleged that there have been illegal actions, such as the ousting of elected council leaders using violence, misallocation of funds meant for local government workers, and the mismanagement of revenue, which has seen a significant drop in the state’s internal generated revenue from around N8 billion to N2 billion monthly.

He urged the Federal Government to address the alleged executive misconduct in Edo State, restore localized governance, and ensure its autonomy for effective grassroots development.

Aziegbemi has also called upon national security agencies, like the Department of State Services (DSS), military, police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to conduct thorough investigations into the government’s fiscal management over the last two months.