The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, shared how Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, played a crucial role in his appointment during an event honoring Wike by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt on Saturday, September 28.
Lokpobiri stated, “It’s important to let you know that my position as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was made possible by Nyesom Wike.” He highlighted that Wike’s influence was significant in both his initial appointment discussions in Port Harcourt and the final stages in Abuja.
He expressed gratitude, saying, “Since my name wasn’t included in the welcome address, I want you all to know that we have a brother and a friend in Wike.” Lokpobiri emphasized the value of good friendships, saying, “It’s always better to have a good friend than a bad brother.”
He continued, “On behalf of the Ijaw people around the world, I want to thank you for your love and support. We Ijaw people are grateful, and we look forward to more assistance from you.”
In related remarks, Wike spoke about his influence in securing political positions for the Ijaw people, asserting, “It’s not true that the Ijaw people are fighting me. I am too big for anyone to contend with. Those who are attacking me now were not around when we worked to make an Ijaw governor.”
Wike concluded, “Instead of focusing on winning elections in their own states, they were busy plotting against me. Now, they are the ones facing challenges.”
