31/01/2025
Rebuttal to Misinformation on the Appointment of Augusta Enaholo as DG of Edo State Health Insurance Commission.
It has come to our attention that a recent video circulating online is pushing a divisive and misleading narrative regarding the appointment of Augusta Enaholo as the new Director General (DG) of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission. The claims made in the video not only distort the qualifications required for such a role but also dangerously attempt to sow ethnic discord in our great state.
1. You Do Not Need to Be a Doctor to Lead a Health Insurance Commission.
The argument that only a medical doctor can run a health insurance commission is fundamentally flawed and reflects a lack of understanding of how health insurance systems operate. A health insurance commission is not a hospital —it is an administrative and financial institution responsible for managing healthcare financing, policy implementation, and service delivery across the state.
- Across Nigeria and globally, health insurance bodies are often led by professionals in public health, law, business administration, finance, or policy-making, not just doctors.
- Augusta Enaholo is a seasoned lawyer and business expert, making her well-equipped to oversee the commission’s governance, financial operations, and regulatory compliance.
- Effective leadership in health insurance requires policy expertise, financial management skills, and administrative competence, not necessarily a medical background.
2. Leadership Change After 8 Years Is Standard Practice
The claim that the former Director General should remain indefinitely in the role after eight years of service ignores the principle of institutional growth and leadership renewal. No one is entitled to a permanent position in public office, and a fresh perspective can bring innovation, reform, and efficiency to the system.
3. Ethnic Bias Has No Place in Public Discourse.
The most alarming aspect of the video is the clear ethnic hatred and divisive rhetoric against the Esan people. Edo State is built on unity among the Bini, Esan, and Afemai people, and any attempt to pit one group against another is dangerous, regressive, and unacceptable.
- Appointments in government should be based on merit and competence, not ethnic affiliations.
- Augusta Enaholo, like any other Edo indigene, has the right to serve in any capacity if she meets the qualifications.
- The narrative that a Bini person must be replaced by another Bini person is a backward ideology that does not align with democratic governance and inclusivity.
4. Baseless Slander and Propaganda Must Be Condemned
It is evident that the video in circulation was deliberately crafted to mislead the public and incite unnecessary controversy. Such propaganda, whether paid for or not, does not serve the interests of the people of Edo State.
- Those who have genuine concerns about government appointments should address them through appropriate channels rather than resorting to misinformation and ethnic attacks.
- Edo people must reject politics of division and instead focus on what truly matters—competence, service delivery, and the progress of the state.
Conclusion
Augusta Enaholo's appointment should be judged based on her track record, qualifications, and ability to deliver results, not on baseless arguments or ethnic sentiment. Edo State deserves leaders chosen on merit, not tribal bias. We urge all well-meaning citizens to disregard the divisive rhetoric and support policies that promote good governance, inclusivity, and progress.
