Oshiomhole didn’t influence son’s nomination as commissioner — Edo deputy gov

• The deputy governor said that competence earned Cyril Oshiomhole his seat as health commissioner.
• He also stated only competent hands will be hired into their administration.

The Edo state deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, has revealed that Adam Oshiomhole rejected his son Cyril’s nomination as health commissioner.

Cyril, a medical doctor, was nominated by Governor Monday Okpebholo last week to oversee the state’s health sector.

Cyril obtained his medical degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, showcasing his impressive educational background.

The commissioner nominee took the oath of office at the Government House in Benin, joining the state executive cabinet.

Adam Oshiomhole served as Edo’s governor from 2008 to 2016 and currently represents Edo North in the Senate.

Idahosa emphasised on Sunrise Daily, an interview session on Channels Television, that Oshiomhole played no role in Cyril’s appointment, reiterating the governor’s commitment to hiring competent individuals.

Idahosa highlighted Cyril’s exceptional qualifications, having studied medicine in Nigeria and the US, making him an ide al candidate for 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,” Idahosa said.

“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 countered claims of favoritism, stating that Oshiomhole opposed Cyril’s nomination, proving there was no bias.

“This position has nothing to do with Adams Oshiomhole, in fact, Adams opposed it,” Idahosa said.

“He was against the nomination because of the vision the governor has for the people of Edo state.”

Idahosa emphasised that the governor chose Cyril based on merit, not family ties.

Idahosa also addressed comparisons to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks on state capture, saying Edo State prioritizes merit-based governance.

“Obasanjo’s position on state capture has nothing to do with Adams,” Idahosa said.

“For us, we have made up our mind, we are going to look at the competence, not because this person is a son of who, or any other person, or even if you talk about former president Obasanjo, whatever he says, that is not the case here in Edo.

“Whatever he is going to do, that is fine, but for us, our peculiarities are different, this guy (Cyril) has the competence and the governor found him worthy to be one of the cabinet members.”