Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, acknowledges the significant influence of Nyesom Wike in his appointment, emphasizing the pivotal role Wike had in facilitating this position. Further insights into their political relationship can be explored.
Heineken Lokpobiri, the Petroleum Minister, has attributed his appointment to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Capital Territory, asserting that Wike was instrumental in the formation of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Lokpobiri made this statement during an event hosted by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, in honor of Wike.
The former senator shared that his path to becoming a minister in the Tinubu administration began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt and concluded at his home in Abuja. Reports indicate that Lokpobiri, a native of Bayelsa, previously served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019. He noted: We also received information from the NDDC Managing Director, who confirmed that the FCT Minister had a direct influence on his appointment:
“In my case, I was more directly engaged in the matter; it may not be widely known, but the entire process began at Wike’s home in Port Harcourt and ended at his residence in Abuja. My second visit to the Minister began at his home in Port Harcourt and ended at his home in Abuja. It is essential for me to share this narrative.”
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“I noticed that our names were not among those who benefited from his charity when I was reading the welcome address. I assumed that among the people he assisted would be my name, Heineken Lokpobiri. However, I have to finish it because my name is not on it. I want you to know that we have friends and brothers, we Ija people.
“Having a good friend is far preferable to having a bad brother. A terrible brother—what good is he? He is not worth it. However, you are already fortunate if you have a close friend like the Minister of FCT.
“On behalf of the Ijaw people worldwide, His Excellency, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, let me to thank you for your affection for the Ijaw people. We Ijaw people are incredibly appreciative. We won’t return you with evil if you do us good. We shall thus always be appreciative of everything you have done for the Ijaw people. We anticipate seeing more from you on behalf of our Ijaw people.
