The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has credited his appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to the influence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Lokpobiri made this revelation on Saturday during an event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in honor of Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Lokpobiri, a former Senator from Bayelsa and Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development (2015-2019), detailed how his journey to becoming a minister began and concluded in Wike’s residences in Port Harcourt and Abuja.
“It is important to tell you, my brothers and sisters, that me standing before you today as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was made possible by Nyesom Wike,” Lokpobiri stated. He further explained that his appointment, along with that of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), involved direct intervention from Wike.
Lokpobiri highlighted that his path to the Tinubu administration started at Wike’s house in Port Harcourt and was finalized at Wike’s Abuja residence. He expressed his gratitude for Wike’s support, calling him a “good friend” and emphasizing the positive impact Wike has had on the Ijaw people.
“Your Excellency, the FCT minister, let me on behalf of the Ijaw people all over the world, express our gratitude to you for your show of love to the Ijaw people. We are looking forward to you doing more for our people,” Lokpobiri added.
The event highlighted the ongoing relationship between Wike and key figures from the Ijaw community, further solidifying Wike’s political influence within and beyond Rivers State.
