Why Edo Citizens’ Health Does Not Matter For APC, PDP

Emmanuel Aziken interrogates contemporary developments in the health sector in Edo State and submits that the health of the citizenry has become a subject of political jest for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC

The sad commentary of political actors mortgaging good governance for the accumulation of political power has been the bane of Nigeria’s development. But that politicians would after trampling on the integrity of the nation’s democracy also subjugate the physical well-being of the citizenry to their intrigues is indeed befuddling.

Unfortunately, Edo State in the immediate past and in the present is playing out the ugly script of politics overshadowing the prescription of good health for the population.

Remarkably, the struggle for the soul of Edo State between allies of the immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and his successor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has seen a back-and-forth that should depress anyone genuinely interested in the development of Edo State.

The back and forth in Edo State can be demonstrated in two particular cases. Just this week, Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua revealed how the preceding Obaseki administration supposedly frustrated the production of medical doctors from the state-owned university, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.

Established in the early eighties, AAU had over time earned a reputation for producing some of the best law graduates in the country. Though it wasn’t top-notch in medical science, it was, however, not a laggard in that sector.

According to records, no medical graduate of the university has failed a medical board examination in any part of the world.

Critics of the immediate past administration allege that Mr. Obaseki who was groomed as a ‘bloody’ capitalist with the principal motif of making profit from all endevaours, turned the AAU into a profit and loss scheme. Grants and other endowments for the school were under Obaseki allegedly reduced to a miserly N41m monthly. That painfully, for a school with 14 faculties.

It is thus welcoming that the Okpebholo administration has to the delight of many approved a N500m monthly contribution to the school. The Okpebholo administration must be commended for the decision. That is if that amount is enough. That decision has ensured that 128 medical graduates of the school who were barred from induction can now move on to practice their profession.

The governor must be commended for his efforts because no effort should be spared in producing the requisite medical personnel needed by the country.

Just as Governor Okpebholo may be commended over righting the wrongs perpetuated by his predecessor at AAU, unfortunately, his broader efforts in the health sector have now been turned into a major political bloomer.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Thursday lampooned the governor for allegedly putting the health issues of the citizenry under the patronage of his political minders. For a governor who had been getting positive reviews over his down-to-earth approach to governance, the seeming politicization of the health sector is apparently not winning him any favours. The medical and dental consultants in the state this week embarked on a two-day strike to protest what they allege as the imposition of Nelson Tenebe, the brother of Jarett Tenebe, state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Hospital Management Agency (HMA).

Obaseki who has remained silent since his exit is now gradually finding a voice through such gaffes of Governor Okpebholo.

After all, there is nothing that touches people more than their health. Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki’s spokesman basking in the apparent blooper of the governor has sought to resurrect his master in the limelight.

Mocking in a statement last Thursday, he alleged that the governor’s instructions on health policy and appointments were being countermanded by the governor’s political handlers. It is unfortunate that Edo State has had to suffer a doctor’s strike essentially because of the political intrigues weaved by politicians who command the best medical attention in the country and where not, travel out of the country for ordinary health needs.

Mocking the governor, Osagie quoted MDCAN as telling the governor in their letter announcing the strike that the governor’s instructions on replacement of Tenebe’s brother were flouted by political leaders of the APC.

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 being told that you had given the instruction for the name to be announced and the 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.”

Governor Okpebholo must demonstrate fidelity to the citizenry and show good faith by ensuring that their health considerations are not sacrificed at the altar of politics.

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