Fear of attack, from within his party and the opposition, appears the push for Oshiomhole objecting to his son’s nomination as commissioner in Edo state. See why!
Apparrently out of fear for public reaction, a Nigerian senator has objected the nomination of his son as commissioner. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State, opposed making his son, Cyril, the state’s new Commissioner for Health.
Despite his son’s qualifications and the governor’s support for the nomination, Oshiomhole’s objections raised eyebrows. Analysts have interpreted his opposition to the appointment as a “fear of attack,” both personally and politically. His motivations, observers say, appear to stem from concerns about public perception and potential political backlash.
Fear of attack: Oshiomhole’s political concerns
Adams Oshiomhole, a former two-term governor of Edo State and current Nigerian senator, has a long history of political influence. As a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), his family’s involvement in politics is often closely scrutinized. Governor Monday Okpebholo nominated Oshiomhole’s son, Cyril, for the position of Commissioner for Health. But the decision raised public concerns about nepotism and state capture.
Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa clarified on Channels Television interview that the nomination was based on Cyril’s competence as a skilled medical doctor. He emphasized that Oshiomhole, in fact, opposed the appointment. “This position has nothing to do with Adams Oshiomhole. In fact, Adams opposed it,” Idahosa said.
His remarks suggest that the former governor’s opposition was not out of disdain for his son’s qualifications. Rather, it was rooted in a fear of attack from political opponents and critics who might see the nomination as an abuse of power.
Avoiding the spotlight
Many may see Oshiomhole’s decision as a strategic move to avoid giving critics ammunition for attacks. Despite his son’s credentials as a seasoned medical doctor, Oshiomhole feared the potential political fallout from the perception of nepotism. The nomination of a family member could open the door for his rivals to accuse him of using his position for personal gain.
His “fear of attack” appears not only in public but within his own party, the APC, where tensions can sometimes run high. Political opponents, especially within Edo State, have long criticized Oshiomhole for his aggressive leadership style during his tenure as governor. Now, he likely aims to protect his own reputation and prevent his political adversaries from exploiting the situation.
A Personal Sacrifice for Public Image
Despite Cyril’s impressive academic background—having studied in Nigeria and the United States—Oshiomhole chose to step back from endorsing his son’s candidacy. Many see that move as a personal sacrifice. “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.
By distancing himself from the nomination, Oshiomhole ensured that his son’s qualifications were not overshadowed by concerns about favoritism. “The fact that he is Oshiomhole’s son does not disqualify him from holding a position he is competent to manage,” Idahosa clarified. This shows that Oshiomhole prioritized the integrity of the appointment over personal gain.
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