Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa has said that former governor Senator Adams Oshiomhole opposed the nomination of his son Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole as commissioner for health.
Governor Monday Okpebholo announced Cyril’s appointment last Tuesday. Cyril was inaugurated on Tuesday after being cleared by the House of Assembly.
Despite the opposition, Idahosa, during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, described Cyril as a seasoned and fully qualified medical professional capable of serving effectively 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 said: “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.”
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.”
