Governor Godwin Obaseki’s high handedness is among other reasons for cracks in his cabinet, leading to some commissioners falling out with him. In this piece, Juliet Jacob tells why Obaseki sacked the state’s health commissioner with only few months to the terminal point of the administration
Africa Health Report can now report that there are more to the stated reasons for the sack of Edo state commissioner for Health Dr Samuel Alli recently by Governor Godwin Obaseki of the state, with only three months left to the end of his tenure in office as governor.
In a statement announcing his sack, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, was precipitated by a desire by the governor to remove any obstacles hindering optimal service delivery in the remaining months of his administration.
Investigations by our correspondent reveal that while the statement is partly correct, it fell short of stating that the real “obstacle” was Dr Alli’s refusal to sign contracts for purchase of hospital equipment and consumables for the special hospital in Benin and the Stella Obasanjo specialist hospital, Irrua, Edo state.
Well informed sources in the health sector of the state, told AHR in Benin that Alli’s refusal to sign the contract documents four days after they were sent to his office, was what broke the already frosty relationship existing between him and Governor Obaseki.
Key Issue
Before that incident, Alli was said to have complained to friends and associates on the way Governor Obaseki was allegedly running the health sector from the government with very “minimal” reference to him, through a consultant friend of his.
Ex-Perm Sec
According to a former permanent secretary in the state, who requested to be anonymous, “we all know of Alli’s complaints, he has been complaining about the total takeover of the management of the budget of health in the state.” The well informed former top government official added that “Alli has been practically commissioner in name” because “all contracts are initiated and decided upon at the government house between the governor and the consultant” adding “the documents are merely sent to him for signature”
Many Commissioners Working Willy Nilly
AHR learnt Alli is not the only commissioner that was not happy with the system, he was only the one that mustered the courage to refuse to sign the contract for the equipment purchase said to run into billions of naira.
Cold Relationships
A private sector health practitioner in the state, who also requested that his name be kept out of print confirmed the situation. “We are aware of the bad relationship between the governor and the former commissioner but I sincerely never thought it will lead to his sack, especially at the twilight of the administration”
The source who runs a maternity clinic with artificial insemination services located around New Benin area of the ancient city, said within the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, in the state, “the fact in market place secret”
Obaseki Known for Sidelining Commissioners
Our sources allege Governor Obaseki is “notorious” for sidelining his commissioners in contract awards, “they just sign documents for contracts that were never discussed at Executive Council Meetings.” The sources were in agreement that Alli was sacked for challenging the system.
Six telephone calls to Alli by AHR were not picked. But one source informed AHR that he is planning to open up on the saga very soon to clear his name and put the records straight.
Since becoming the governor of Edo State in 2016, Godwin Obaseki has been celebrated for initiated numerous efforts to enhance the state’s health sector. Some of these initiatives have been aimed to improve healthcare infrastructure, increase access to affordable healthcare, and bolster the healthcare workforce.
