Oshiomhole, however, added that he expressed his concerns to Governor Okphebolo when his son was appointment
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday told his detractors that his son, Cyril, is qualified to be the Commissioner for Health in his state.
Speaking on Channels Television programme, Politics Today, the federal lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, also said his son is an adult who is old enough to make his decisions.
Many media outlets had earlier reported that the Edo State governor, Monday Okphebolo, appointed Cyril as health commissioner after he was sworn-in.
His decision was, however, criticized by many Nigerians who described the act as a state capture and a reward for the senator’s support for the governor’s election.
Reacting to the outcry that greeted the governor’s action, Oshiomhole stated that his son fits into the position because he has the requisite qualifications.
He, however, added that he expressed his concerns to the governor when the appointment was announced.
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He further revealed that he had earlier discouraged his son from contesting for federal legislative position twice.
Oshiomhole said, “He (Cyril) doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him. 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.
“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.
“Those were the reasons why I stopped him from contesting elections when I was in office but then I have to accept that in the world that we live in, you can only do so much to control your son but not when he is already of adult age.
“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.
“So, he is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having it in spite of being Oshiomhole.”