By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has congratulated Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri on “his well deserved appointment as Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil) Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
IYC president, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, and secretary, Amb Binebai Yerin Princewill, said “as critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region and beyond, we want to specially appreciate His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, President Federal Republic of Nigeria for finding one of the best Niger Delta brains, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri worthy to be appointed as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).
‘Heineken Lokpobiri as former speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, a two term senator that represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District, former minister for State, Agriculture, Federal Republic of Nigeria, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a renowned leader in the Niger Delta region who has contributed towards the growth and development of the Niger Delta over the years is no doubt a perfect man for the job and a round peg in a round hole.
“Considering the political pedigree and leadership role Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri has been playing over the years in the region, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide is optimistic that he will perform his duty as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) to the admiration of all as a product of the Niger Delta struggle who is well abreast with the multifaceted issues bedeviling the region. His appointment comes with so much happiness across the Niger Delta region,” they said.
The statement further read: “We want to at this point appreciate His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, President Federal Republic of Nigeria for listening to the voice of Niger Deltans, particularly to the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and others who appealed to Mr. President over the rumoured scrapping of the Niger Delta Ministry.
“The swift response to our appeal shows that President Bola Tinubu is indeed a listening President, we are grateful for the redeployment of Abubakar Momoh to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development. This to us is a welcome development.”
IYC leaders also congratulated “other ministers from the Niger Delta region which is our primary constituency and all ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has been inaugurated. It is our call that all ministers including President Bola Tinubu should prioritise the rapid development of the Niger Delta region, particularly the Ijaw areas as council will be ready to engage with them on the way forward as partners of progress in the Niger Delta.
“Finally, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide will continue to engage with critical stakeholders for the growth and development of Ijaw nation, as the council will collaborate with government agencies that are willing to partner with us for the development of our areas where necessary.”
