Deputy Governor of Edo state, Dennis Idahosa has said Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north opposed the nomination of his son, Cyril as commissioner in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that Cyril was nominated as commissioner of health by the state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and was subsequently sworn in on Tuesday at Government House in Benin City, the state capital.
Idahosa during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, clarified that Oshiomhole did not influence the appointment of his son as the the nomination was based purely on his qualifications.
The deputy Governor said Cyril who is a US-trained medical doctor is competent to serve in the position.
He said, “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 also addressed accusations of nepotism, noting that the nomination was not influenced by family ties.
He 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.”
Additionally, he dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comment on the issue of state capture, adding that there is no link between Obasanjo’s remarks and Oshiomhole’s actions.
The Deputy Governor reiterated Edo state’s commitment to merit-based governance.
