Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North/APC) has defended the appointment of his son Cyril Oshiomhole as Edo State’s commissioner for health.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Oshiomhole insisted that his son is qualified for the role, citing his extensive medical education and training.
In November, Governor Monday Okphebolo, an ally of Oshiomhole, appointed Cyril to the position shortly after his swearing-in as governor. The decision has drawn criticism, with some accusing the governor of political favouritism and rewarding Oshiomhole for supporting his election.
Addressing these criticisms, Oshiomhole explained that he expressed concerns about the potential backlash when the appointment was announced. “I did express my concerns when I heard. I called him and expressed my concerns. I expressed those concerns to the governor that people might say this and that,” he said.
However, Oshiomhole emphasised that his son’s qualifications make him suitable for the position. “But the point must be made: I invested in my children’s education. I didn’t want them to go through what I went through. So, Dr Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), he went to do post-graduate in two universities in the US including Harvard and another university in Louisiana. He does something about public health,” the senator explained.
Oshiomhole, who was also Edo governor, revealed that in the past, he discouraged his son from pursuing political ambitions, including running for the House of Representatives.
“When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Reps. I said ‘no’ and supported another guy. The second time he wanted to try, I said ‘no’. This time the governor decided to pick him. He is qualified,” he said.
