Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governor of Edo State, says Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, opposed the nomination of Cyril, his son, as commissioner in the state.
Cyril, a medical doctor, was nominated as the commissioner of health by Monday Okpebholo, the state governor, and was subsequently sworn in on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Idahosa refuted claims that Oshiomhole had any influence over the appointment, stating that the nomination was based purely on Cyril’s qualifications.
The deputy governor said Cyril, a US-trained medical doctor, is competent to serve in the position. “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,” Idahosa said.
The deputy governor also addressed accusations of nepotism, insisting that the nomination was not influenced by family ties.
“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 deputy governor said.
Idahosa also responded to criticisms from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently commented on the issue of state capture.
He dismissed any link between Obasanjo’s remarks and Oshiomhole’s actions, emphasising that Edo state is committed to merit-based governance.
