Posts in category: General News

……..EDO ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Legal battle against the election of the People’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has finally been laid to rest with the full panel of five Supreme Court Justices led by Hon Justice Mohammed Garba JSC dismissing the appeal filed against concurrent judgment of the Edo State Governorship election petition tribunal and the court of appeal.

The inspiring aspect of this legal battle is that all three levels of courts and their Justices and judges were unanimous that the petition of Asue Ighodalo and his party lacks merit. In the separate judgements, the courts, held that the Petitioners fail to prove that the election in which Governor Monday Okpebholo was declared elected by the independent Electoral Commission was marred by irregularities particularly over voting and non recording of serial numbers of ballots papers on Form EC-25A. Indeed, the Supreme Court in upholding the admission of the BVAS from the evidence of the Appellants held that the Court of Appeal was right in invalidating the admission 9f the bvas as the requisite consent of the parties were not sought and obtained before they were tendered and admitted from the bar

While the Supreme Court resolved two issues in favour of the Appellants, which issues relates to the specific units that the appellants were challenged by the Appellants rather than the entire election, the Supreme resolved the fourth and fifth issues for determination relating to whether the Appellants established non-compliance with the Electoral Act were resolved against the Appellants (PDP and Ighodalo).

The Supreme Court found that the Appellants’ failure to call sufficient and credible witnesses, particularly polling unit agents, was detrimental to their case.
Additionally, the Court held that the Appellants did not tender admissible and credible evidence to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.
The Court further noted that the mere dumping of BVAS machines on the Tribunal, without proper demonstration or linkage, was both fatal to the Appellants’ case and contrary to established legal principles.

On the whole, the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been validated wirh the affirmation of the concurrent judgment of the tribunal and the court of appeal
Consequently, the legal battle has successfully ended And governance proper is now the major focus of the Governor

Edo people can now look with great expectations to a new Edo that is rising in the horizon. The evidence arw clear and unambiguous. Governor Monday Okpebholo is on a new trajectory for a new Edo State.

Congratulations to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy

Congratulations to the All Progressives Congress.

Congratulations to Edo people

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, FICMC, Ph.D
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice
10th July 2025.

……..EDO ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Legal battle against the election of the People’s Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has finally been laid to rest with the full panel of five Supreme Court Justices led by Hon Justice Mohammed Garba JSC dismissing the appeal filed against concurrent judgment of the Edo State Governorship election petition tribunal and the court of appeal.

The inspiring aspect of this legal battle is that all three levels of courts and their Justices and judges were unanimous that the petition of Asue Ighodalo and his party lacks merit. In the separate judgements, the courts, held that the Petitioners fail to prove that the election in which Governor Monday Okpebholo was declared elected by the independent Electoral Commission was marred by irregularities particularly over voting and non recording of serial numbers of ballots papers on Form EC-25A.

Indeed, the Supreme Court in upholding the admission of the BVAS from the evidence of the Appellants held that the Court of Appeal was right in invalidating the admission 9f the bvas as the requisite consent of the parties were not sought and obtained before they were tendered and admitted from the bar

While the Supreme Court resolved two issues in favour of the Appellants, which issues relates to the specific units that the appellants were challenged by the Appellants rather than the entire election, the Supreme resolved the fourth and fifth issues for determination relating to whether the Appellants established non-compliance with the Electoral Act were resolved against the Appellants (PDP and Ighodalo).

The Supreme Court found that the Appellants’ failure to call sufficient and credible witnesses, particularly polling unit agents, was detrimental to their case. Additionally, the Court held that the Appellants did not tender admissible and credible evidence to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.

The Court further noted that the mere dumping of BVAS machines on the Tribunal, without proper demonstration or linkage, was both fatal to the Appellants’ case and contrary to established legal principles.

On the whole, the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been validated wirh the affirmation of the concurrent judgment of the tribunal and the court of appeal
Consequently, the legal battle has successfully ended And governance proper is now the major focus of the Governor

Edo people can now look with great expectations to a new Edo that is rising in the horizon. The evidence arw clear and unambiguous. Governor Monday Okpebholo is on a new trajectory for a new Edo State.

Congratulations to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy

Congratulations to the All Progressives Congress.

Congratulations to Edo people

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, FICMC, Ph.D
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice
10th July 2025* .

There was pomp and pageantry at the home of His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo as his daughter, Eghogho Favour Okpebholo was called to the Nigerian Bar and became a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Celebrating her achievement, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State Dr. Samson Osagie commended the new lawyer for braving the odds and challenges of training through university and the Nigerian Law School.

As a member of the Body of Benchers, Dr. Samson Osagie congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his daughter’s achievement and her choice of the legal profession.

Also present at the Governor’s home during the post-call event was the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, among others.

In the same vein, the Attorney General has extended his hearty congratulations to Mrs. Nana Audu, wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo State, Hon Gani Audu, on her successful call to the bar.

Dr. Osagie commended Mrs. Audu for her resilience in surmounting the challenges of the Law School, despite being the wife of a busy public officer.
He also lauded the Chief of Staff for his support and encouragement.

Clementina Agweda
PRO, Office of the Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State

The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Samson R. Osagie, PhD, has been inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria in Abuja,

This confirmemt was done alongside top government officials and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Brain Iginigie from Los Angeles, CA, stated that the conferment of the Fellowship award is “a glowing testament to the Attorney General’s commitment to justice, peacebuilding, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The FICMC recognition is not only a personal milestone for Dr. Osagie but also a proud moment for Edo State and the entire legal community, affirming his position among Nigeria’s most respected legal minds and transformative Public servants.

Clementina Agweda
PRO,Office of the Hon. Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State

The approval by the Edo State House of Assembly of the Governor Monday Okpebholo’s request for a credit line of N100B is a most strategic policy decision of his administration to guarantee unhindered funding of capital projects in the state.

It is the best way to ensure that huge capital projects do not suffer funding gaps.
Governor Monday Okpebholo is strategic and forward looking in his development agenda.

Naysayers and opposition whose opportunity to serve the state on the past may twist it and misinterprete same to be a loan met for some person’s pocket, behold they got it wrong.

Given the huge infrastructure deficit in Edo State and the determination of Governor Monday Okpebholo to leave no stone unturned in making sure that Edo people gets value for money and a complete turnaround in the state of infrastructure in Edo State this credit line is tied to projects not what anyone can access for any other purpose.

The Edo State Government is meeting all legal requirements for this credit line just for the purpose of infrastructural revolution in Edo.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is on the right track in delivering practical governance to Edo people.

Rt Hon. Samson R Osagie, PhD, FICMC
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice Edo State
25th June, 2025

The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr Samson Osagie, has called for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to deepen unity among its members and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.

Dr Osagie made this call while receiving a delegation led by Mr Yemi Akangbe, SAN, former Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, at the Ministry of Justice in Benin City.

He reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and encouraged the NBA to continue providing support to its members.

Dr Osagie also praised the Edo State Governor for his administration’s notable achievements in the justice sector and beyond, stressing that meaningful progress had been made within a short period.

In response, Mr Akangbe expressed gratitude to the Attorney General for the warm reception. He acknowledged Dr Osagie’s participatory leadership style, particularly his inclusive approach to decision-making within the Ministry.

The meeting underscored the strong ties between the legal profession and the state’s justice system, with both parties expressing optimism for sustained collaboration.

A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gift to Mr Akangbe by Dr Osagie on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry of Justice.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer, Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State

Democracy Day Message

June 12,2025: At 26, Nigeria’s Democracy remains a journey not a destination. The sustenance of democratic governance for 26 unbroken years regardless of the imperfections remains a landmark achievement in the quest to elevate democracy in Africa to much enviable height that Will engender development, rule of law and advancement in Africa’s quest for greatness. Of course been a journey ,Nigeria’s democracy is working in progress requiring the leadership and citizens alike to imbibe the true spirit of patriotism for the purpose of uplifting the nation.
As Nigeria celebrates yet another democracy day, let’s reflects on our gains with hope, resilience and a shared commitment to a greater future for our dear country.

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD
Hon Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice Edo State
June 12, 2025

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie has extended warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls in the state.

In his message, Dr. Osagie thanked God for the opportunity to celebrate this noble occasion, praying that the spirit of sacrifice and devotion which Eid-el-Kabir represents inspires Muslims to strive for excellence daily and that God Almighty accepts their sacrifices, granting them peace, prosperity, and joy.

While noting that Eid-el-Kabir embodies values of compassion, empathy, and kindness, Dr. Osagie emphasized the importance of these values in guiding interactions among individuals in their daily lives.

The Attorney General wished Muslims a successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration and prayed for good health, happiness, and prosperity for all, expressing his goodwill and Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community in Edo State.

Clememtina Agweda
Publlic Relations Officer,Office of the Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice,Edo State.

Dr Samson Osagie,Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State , has emphasized that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) is designed to ensure a smooth and efficient justice delivery process in Nigeria.

The Attorney General made this remark during the presentation of the National Minimum Standards Documents on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, led by Professor Akinseye-George, SAN.

Dr. Osagie assured that the document would guide the administration of criminal justice, streamlining the process and ensuring swift dispensation of justice across the 36 states of the Federation. He also noted that the document would complement the criminal justice system in Edo State and urged all legal practitioners to obtain a copy to enhance justice administration and expressed his commitment to ensuring that all state counsel and adjudicators have access to the document.

He also expressed joy that the recent ACJA roundtable discussion in Abuja has yielded tangible results, culminating in the development of the National Minimum Standards Documents, and thanked all stakeholders involved.

On her part,Mrs. Esosa Osula, Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Edo State, stated that the presentation is aimed to promote effective ACJL implementation and alternative sentencing practices aligned with national and international best practices.

The documents were received
by the Attorney General and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Aikefe Aigbavboa, Esq.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer,
Office of the Attorney General and Commisioner fir Justice,Edo State.