The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has disclosed that Adams Oshiomhole, the state’s former Governor, objected to his son Cyril’s nomination as the Commissioner for Health-designate.
According to PUNCH Online, Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole to the role of Commissioner for Health-designate last Tuesday, as announced in a statement by Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
During an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, Idahosa characterized Cyril as an experienced medical professional well-suited to serve in the cabinet.
He remarked, “Senator Adams Oshiomhole is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Senate, and his son, like everyone else, has his own path in life. Cyril is an accomplished medical doctor who completed his studies in Nigeria before advancing his education in the United States. He possesses the necessary qualifications to hold a cabinet position. Being Oshiomhole’s son does not exclude him from managing a role he is well-equipped to handle. His appointment as Commissioner for Health is based on merit.”
Dismissing accusations of favouritism and state control, Idahosa stated that the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress resisted his son’s nomination.
“This position has nothing to do with Adams Oshiomhole. In fact, Adams opposed it. He was against the nomination because of the vision the governor has for the people of Edo State. The governor made the decision to appoint Cyril based on competence, not because of his father,” Idahosa explained.
Addressing comparisons with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks about state capture, Idahosa added, “What is happening in Edo State is far from state capture. It is about ensuring competence and delivering results for the people.”
On his role as deputy governor, Idahosa said, “The governor and I discuss cabinet matters, but my main statutory function as deputy governor is overseeing the boundary commission, which I will chair.”
The PUNCH
