The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has urged Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum, to set aside his ambitions for the governorship of Bayelsa State and focus on fulfilling his ministerial duties to realize the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda within the oil sector.
The council expressed concerns that Lokpobiri appears more invested in rallying support for his gubernatorial bid than in responsibly executing the responsibilities of his current position.
In a statement signed by Secretary-General Maobuye Nangi Obu and three other officials, the IYC noted that many of the minister’s decisions, particularly those affecting his home state of Bayelsa, seem to be driven by his political aspirations rather than the needs of the community.
“This distraction has caused the minister to lose focus and concentration. How else can we explain his failure to tackle the chaos and numerous issues plaguing the oil sector?” the statement read.
The council further criticized Lokpobiri’s ambition for undermining the operations of the IYC, a non-political organization, claiming that he is utilizing his brother, the council’s president, to garner youth support for his political goals.
“This president cannot even lend his voice to the political turmoil in Rivers State or support the governor, who is one of our own, due to his brother’s ties to a political rival of Siminalayi Fubara,” the statement added.
The IYC accused Lokpobiri of prioritizing the interests of those he believes can aid his political ambitions, neglecting the responsibilities that come with his ministerial role.
“His ministry demands unwavering focus and a deep understanding of the complexities of the petroleum industry. It is impossible for someone preoccupied with a governorship campaign to effectively manage such an important office,” the council stated.
The IYC appealed to Lokpobiri to abandon his political pursuits and concentrate on his ministerial responsibilities to forge a clear path toward resolving the challenges facing the oil sector.
They asserted that his inability to address these issues has contributed to the rising hardships faced by rural and coastal communities in the Niger Delta.
“Oil is the backbone of our economy, guiding its direction and ensuring stability in other sectors. The turmoil in the industry since Lokpobiri’s appointment has led to significant hardships nationwide, including soaring prices for goods and services, currency instability, and increased transportation costs, overshadowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s genuine efforts to improve the situation,” they emphasized.
The council urged Lokpobiri to cease distracting himself with political ambitions and concentrate on his ministry to tackle these pressing issues and help rejuvenate the economy.
They also pointed out that, unlike some of his peers, Lokpobiri has not leveraged his position to create opportunities for his constituents, lacking any initiatives aimed at alleviating their current economic struggles.
“The Minister previously visited the region to discourage Ijaw youths from participating in hunger protests, with the help of his brother, the president. The youths complied, hoping for alleviation of their hardships, but instead, Lokpobiri has retreated to his comfort while the people continue to suffer,” the statement concluded.
