The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has publicly acknowledged his counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a pivotal figure in securing his appointment to President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Lokpobiri, who hails from Bayelsa State, credited Wike for playing a direct role in his political ascent and ultimate appointment as a minister.
Lokpobiri, who previously served as Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2019, revealed this while speaking at an event organized in Port Harcourt on September 28, 2024, by the Ijaw Peoples Congress to honor Wike.
During his address, Lokpobiri detailed how his journey toward rejoining the federal cabinet began and ended with the influence of Wike. “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. The journey started at his house in Port Harcourt and concluded in his residence in Abuja,” he said.
He further emphasized Wike’s impact not only on his own appointment but also on other key figures in the current administration. Lokpobiri mentioned that the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) also attributed his appointment to Wike’s influence.
“My own case could have been a more direct role. Some of you may not know, but it all started in Wike’s house in Port Harcourt and concluded in his house in Abuja. I want to complete this history because when I was reading the welcome address, I noticed my name, Heineken Lokpobiri, wasn’t listed among those who have benefitted from his benevolence. But since my name is not there, I have to complete the story,” he remarked.
Lokpobiri used the occasion to express his profound gratitude to Wike, emphasizing how the FCT minister’s unwavering support has been invaluable to the Ijaw people over the years. “It is always better to have a good friend than a bad brother. Of what use is a bad brother? None at all. But when you have a good friend like Nyesom Wike, you are already blessed,” Lokpobiri stated.
He went on to thank Wike on behalf of the Ijaw community, recognizing the FCT minister’s efforts in fostering development and extending goodwill to 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. We Ijaw people are very grateful people. If you do us good, we will not repay you with evil. So, we will always be thankful to you for what you have done for our people, and we are looking forward to more of your support in the future,” he concluded.
