The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress have jointly condemned the recent media attack on Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum (Crude). The groups described the attack as unwarranted, baseless, and mischievous.
In a statement signed by Comrade Amb Emeni Ibe, National President of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and President General of the Orashi National Congress, the groups dismissed the allegations against Senator Lokpobiri as a calculated attempt to mislead the public.
The statement noted that Senator Lokpobiri has distinguished himself in various areas and has served meritoriously in different capacities, including as pioneer Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, two-time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and former Minister of State for Agriculture.
The groups expressed shock that the accusers did not know the difference between the substantive Minister of Petroleum and the Minister of State (Crude), and that their allegation of incompetence was a direct indictment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress passed a vote of confidence on Senator Lokpobiri, commending him for his good works and contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region.
The groups also urged Niger Deltans to support their elected and appointed leaders, rather than trying to pull them down. They emphasized the need for synergy and cooperation to achieve common goals.
the statement reiterated that the Ministry of Petroleum has experienced rapid improvement in production and overall performance under Senator Lokpobiri’s leadership, and that he deserves commendation and appreciation rather than vilification.