Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has revealed how FCT Minister Nyesom Wike facilitated his appointment. At an event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress, Lokpobiri shared how Wike’s involvement in Port Harcourt and Abuja was crucial in securing his role. The Bayelsa-born minister expressed gratitude for Wike’s support and contributions to the Ijaw community.
In a candid revelation, Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has credited Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, for playing a pivotal role in securing his appointment.
He made this statement on Saturday during an event organized in Port Harcourt by the Ijaw Peoples Congress (IPC) to honor Wike. The Bayelsa-born minister detailed how Wike’s personal involvement in both Port Harcourt and Abuja paved the way for his appointment.
Speaking to the gathering, Heineken Lokpobiri shared, “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.”
Heineken Lokpobiri went further, recounting how his journey to becoming a minister began in Wike’s house in Port Harcourt and was concluded in his residence in Abuja. He expressed gratitude for Wike’s influence and support, stating that the former Rivers State Governor has been instrumental in advancing the interests of the Ijaw people.
“My second journey of becoming a minister started at the house of the Minister in Port Harcourt and was concluded in his house in Abuja,” he continued. He lamented that his name was omitted from the list of individuals Wike had helped but felt compelled to acknowledge the FCT Minister’s contribution publicly.
Lokpobiri, who previously served as Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019, underlined the importance of good friendships, stating, “It is always better to have a good friend than a bad brother. Of what use is a bad brother? But if you have a good friend like Wike, you are already blessed.”
The event served as a platform for the Ijaw people to show their appreciation to Wike, with Lokpobiri urging him to continue supporting the Ijaw community. “We are looking forward to you doing more for our people,” Heineken Lokpobiri said on behalf of the Ijaw people, expressing their enduring gratitude.
Lokpobiri’s appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023 coincided with Wike’s appointment as the FCT Minister.
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