The Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has revealed that the former Governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, opposed the nomination of his son, Cyril, as Commissioner for Health-designate.
PUNCH Online reports that Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health-designate last Tuesday, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Idahosa described Cyril as a seasoned medical doctor who is fully qualified to serve in the cabinet.
He stated, “Senator Adams Oshiomhole is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his son, like any other individual, has his own destiny. Cyril is a seasoned medical doctor. He studied in Nigeria and went on to further his studies in the United States. He is fully qualified to be in the cabinet. The fact that he is Oshiomhole’s son does not disqualify him from holding a position he is competent to manage. He will serve as Commissioner for Health based on merit.”
Refuting allegations of nepotism and state capture, Idahosa noted that the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress opposed 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.”