Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, credits Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, for playing a pivotal role in securing his appointment. Speaking at an event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, Lokpobiri highlighted Wike's involvement in the process and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw people.
Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has openly acknowledged Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for helping him secure his current role. Lokpobiri made these remarks at an event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress (IPC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in honor of Wike.
Lokpobiri explained that his path to becoming a minister began and concluded at Wike’s residences in both Port Harcourt and Abuja. He attributed his appointment to Wike’s direct involvement and emphasized the importance of the former governor’s support throughout the process.
During his speech, Lokpobiri noted that Wike had similarly played a role in the appointment of other key figures, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Lokpobiri stressed the significance of having a reliable ally like Wike, calling him more valuable than a difficult relative.
He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw people, saying that Wike’s contributions have been deeply appreciated and that the community looks forward to more positive developments in the future.
Lokpobiri, who previously served as Minister of State for Agriculture from 2015 to 2019, was appointed to his current position by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023. His acknowledgment of Wike’s role underscores the political alliances shaping appointments within Nigeria’s federal government.
