APC attacks Gov Okpebholo over suspension of AG, LGSC chairman

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Four days after the Edo State Governor suspended Samson Osagie, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Damian Lawani, chairman of the Local Service Commission, Monday Okpebholo, the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, described the suspensions as part of the governor’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

Governor Okpebholo suspended the couple last Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for alleged serious financial violations.

ZINGTIE also recalled that the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said in a statement that the suspension validated its concerns about alleged reckless financial, mismanagement, maladministration, and illegality under Senator Monday Okpebholo’s leadership.

In response to the PDP claims, the State chapter of the APC defended Governor Okpebholo, stating that the action demonstrated the governor’s dedication to accountability and transparency, which the party highlighted were lacking in the PDP-led immediate preceding administration.

Prince Peter Uwadiae, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, said in a statement released to reporters in Benin City on Saturday that Governor Okpebholo’s decision to suspend the officers is consistent with worldwide best practices.

“Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, unlike his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, under whose administration no official was ever suspended for corruption-related offenses.

“We never at any time heard the immediate past Governor, Godwin Obaseki, suspended anyone suspected of corruption.

“But here we have a Governor who insisted that transparency, accountability, and justice must be the hallmark of his administration”, he said.

While acknowledging that the claims against the two suspended political appointees are untested, he stated that their suspension was important to ensure an unbiased investigation.

“As of today, the Okpebholo-led administration has not given specifics on the alleged offenses committed by the duo. That remains the responsibility of the investigative panel. Until then, nobody can say for certain what the offenses are,” he added.

Uwadiae also denied allegations made by the PDP that the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, were suspended for allegedly failing to deliver funds intended for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to produce witnesses in court in the ongoing Governorship election petition tribunal in Abuja.

He stated that the allegation was baseless, adding that INEC operates on an annual fiscal budget that is independent of any political party, including the ruling APC.

“The commission’s decision not to call witnesses in court is standard legal practice, as documentary evidence typically speaks for itself under the legal principle of “facts speak for themselves.”,

“If INEC had called witnesses, it would have been assisting the petitioners in proving their case, which goes against legal principles.

“Instead, the commission has presented its documentary evidence, and the court will decide based on that,” he added.

He did, however, stress that the weight of proof in election petitions rests with the petitioner, not INEC.

The APC’s press secretary reiterated the party’s commitment to good administration, openness, and accountability under Governor Okpebholo.

He urged the PDP to stop disseminating misinformation and to let due process prevail in both the suspensions and the electoral tribunal hearings.

He stated that Governor Okpebholo is in charge of Edo State’s affairs and ensures that government follows the rule of law.

Uwadiae stated that the administration remains committed to providing a fresh lease on life to the people, and that anyone who crosses the red line of accountability will face the proper repercussions.

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