THE newly inaugurated Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, as Commissioner for Health.
Cyril Oshiomole is the son of Adams Oshiomhole, a senator and leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who is a top ally of president Bola Tinubu. The father previously served as the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress from 1999 to 2007 and as governor of Edo State from 2008 to 2016.
He was APC national chairman between 2018 to 2020. He currently serves as a senator representing Edo North.
Meanwhile, Musa Ikhilor, a barrister, was also appointed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), while Samson Osagie will serve as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
The appointments, announced in a statement by the chief press secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, on Tuesday, November 12, will require confirmation of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Oshiomhole, the newly nominated Commissioner for Health, according to the statement, holds an extensive background in public health and clinical research.
Okpebholo, along with his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, took the oath of office administered by the chief justice of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The event comes two months after the APC clinched victory, securing the governorship position at the Dennis Osadebay House.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner of the governorship election conducted in Edo State on Saturday, September 21.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who won 247,274 votes.
The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata, garnered 22,763 in the election to occupy a distant third position.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M