Joseph Ehizojie Reporting
The Media Adviser to former Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie has said the perpetuation of Nelson Tenebe, brother of the chairman of the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Hospital Management Agency (HMA) further shows that Senator Monday Okpebholo is not in control of the government.
Osagie, in a statement, said the continuous imposition of Nelson Tenebe despite the governor’s directive for his removal, has clearly laid bare the fact that Okpebholo is a lame duck and holds no real control over his own government.
Osagie’s comments follow ongoing tensions in the State’s healthcare system as a result of the imposition of Nelson Tenebe, who is said to have dubious and questionable academic qualifications, as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Hospital Management Agency (HMA), forcing doctors in the State under the umbrella of the Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria (MDCAN) to embark on a two-day warning strike.
“Following the appointment of Nelson Tenebe earlier in January, the doctors were said to have had a series of meetings with Okpebholo who had approved the announcement of one Dr. Christopher Eigbe Ehiagwina as the new CEO of the agency, but Okpebholo’s instruction appeared to have fallen to the ground because he has no control over the apparatus of state as Jarret Tenebe has continued to perpetuate his brother there in complete disregard to Okpebholo’s decision,” Osagie noted.
Obaseki’s media adviser further stated, “This buttresses the facts, as we have always said, that Okpebholo is merely a placeholder at the Dennis Osadebey Avenue. The real power players calling the shots in Edo State are Jarret Tenebe, Adams Oshiomhole, and Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“We are aware that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has been the one approving all appointments in the State from the comfort of his room in Abuja, which is why he is shifting all juicy positions to his Edo North Senatorial District, and the clueless governor has shown himself to be powerless in the face of these forces who are in firm grip of the State and its resources.”
In a letter to the governor by MDCAN to announce their two-day warning strike, the doctors hinted that the governor’s instructions on replacement of Tenebe’s brother were flouted by APC chair, Jarret Tenebe and son of Comr. Adams Oshiomhole and State Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole.
In the letter signed by the association’s chairman and secretary, Dr. Clement Ikponmwen and Dr. Osaronse Anthony, respectively, the medical practitioners noted, “Following the expiration of the ultimatum issued on the 7th of January, 2025, and the subsequent meetings we had with you sir, we want to appreciate your Excellency’s kind approval of Dr. Christopher Eigbe Ehiagwina as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the Hospital Management Agency during the last meeting we had with you on the 22hd January, 2025.
“Unfortunately sir, your directives have not been effected up till now as though your instructions are being undermined. This has led to great disenchantment among members after initially been told that you had given the instruction for the name to be announced and appointment given effect. Arising from an emergency general meeting held this morning (January, 29th, 2025), the association declared a two-day warning strike to begin 12 midnight today 29th of January, 2025 if the announcement and appointment is NOT given effect to as directed by Your Excellency a week ago.”
Sources within the Government House, however revealed that following the governor’s instruction, Jarret Tenebe and Cyril Oshiomhole, had consulted the Comr Adams Oshiomhole on the matter, who told them to ignore the governor as he had a way to put him in check, further affirming the claim by the doctors that the governor’s authority is being undermined by Jarret, Oshiomhole and others who are clearly calling the shots behind the scene.