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.
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 organized theft committed by these disempowered politicians, who have regained control of public finances in just 85 days of Okpebholo’s administration.
From illegally ousting duly elected council chairpersons using thugs, to misappropriating funds intended for local government workers, and mishandling revenue generation, resulting in a drop of the State’s IGR from about N8bn to N2bn monthly, the situation reflects widespread misadministration and entrenched corruption.
We call on the Federal Government to urgently address this executive misconduct in Edo State, restore local governments to their duly elected officials, and uphold their autonomy to foster inclusive grassroots development.
We also urge relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, the police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate the fraudulent activities and financial recklessness characterizing the government’s operations over the past two months.
Signed:
Dr Anthony Aziegbemi
Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee
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