A confirmation of how federal appointments are made by undue pressure from well-placed Nigerians rather than by merit has emerged from a petition filed against for¹mer labour leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
A former Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Barrister Henry Omoregie Williams Idahagbon, has petitioned the President of the Senate, accusing Senator Adams Oshiomhole of making what he described as “reckless, false and malicious” allegations of corruption against him during a recent Senate confirmation hearing.
In the petition, Idahagbon faulted Oshiomhole’s opposition to his reappointment, describing it as politically motivated and rooted in personal grievances rather than facts. He called on the Senate to investigate the matter, warning that unchecked accusations of this nature undermine the credibility of the confirmation process and reinforce a recurring pattern in which public officials allegedly misuse their positions to push federal appointments for favoured individuals who do not meet required standards.
According to Idahagbon, Oshiomhole based his objections on claims of irregularities in recruitment and promotion exercises at the FCSC. The former commissioner, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless. “I state categorically, unequivocally and without reservation that these claims are false, malicious and completely unsupported by evidence,” he said.
Media reports indicate that Idahagbon noted his tenure as commissioner ended on August 26, 2025, prior to his renomination by the President, adding that the issues raised at the confirmation hearing appeared disconnected from his official record and instead reflected lingering personal disputes.
Central to the petition is an allegation that on August 15, 2023, Senator Oshiomhole attempted to influence the civil service recruitment process by forwarding an examination number belonging to a candidate he was personally associated with and requesting that the individual be passed and promoted despite failing the examination. Idahagbon said he rejected the request, insisting on compliance with established civil service rules and merit-based recruitment. He added that he retains the examination scripts and is willing to submit them to the Senate for independent scrutiny.
Idahagbon further alleged that his refusal to compromise the process angered the senator, who allegedly subjected him to verbal abuse and intimidation in the presence of a legal practitioner who could corroborate the incident.
The petition also situates the dispute within the broader political tensions surrounding the 2024 Edo State governorship election. Idahagbon noted that he openly opposed Oshiomhole’s preferred candidate on grounds of zoning and equity, suggesting that this disagreement may have contributed to the hostility displayed during the confirmation process.
He described it as ironic that Oshiomhole now portrays him as corrupt, given that the senator had previously endorsed him for several positions, including Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Secretary-General of Oshiomhole’s campaign organisation, and his initial appointment to the FCSC.
Idahagbon also questioned what he termed an overreach of senatorial influence, pointing out that Oshiomhole represents Edo North Senatorial District, while he hails from Edo South, raising concerns about the propriety of the senator’s intervention in his confirmation.
Addressing recruitment claims, Idahagbon informed the Senate that a federal employment embargo had been in force since 2020, with a limited waiver granted in 2023 for 1,350 recruits nationwide — only 18 slots allocated to Edo State. He disclosed that the first individual recruited from his allocation bore the surname Oshiomhole, attaching appointment letters to support his claim and inviting the Senate to verify the records.
He further stressed that promotions within the FCSC are conducted collectively and transparently, insisting that no single commissioner has the authority to manipulate outcomes — a safeguard, he said, designed to prevent the recurring abuse of office for personal or political patronage.
In conclusion, Idahagbon urged the Senate to invite both parties to present evidence, compel Senator Oshiomhole to substantiate his allegations, and take firm steps to discourage the use of parliamentary privilege as a tool for personal vendettas, while upholding the principles of fair hearing and merit.
The Senate is expected to consider the petition in the coming days. Observers note that the outcome could carry significant consequences — either for Senator Oshiomhole’s public standing if the allegations are upheld, or for Idahagbon’s reputation should the claims be dismissed.
