Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has mounted a strong defense of President Bola Tinubu’s developmental strides in the Niger Delta region, dismissing recent criticism from former Bayelsa State governor and current senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, as politically motivated and lacking in merit.
Dickson had publicly questioned President Tinubu’s silence on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State during his Democracy Day address, implying a lack of attention to the region’s concerns. However, Lokpobiri, in a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, characterized Dickson’s remarks as “uncharitable” and “revisionist,” arguing that they failed to acknowledge the significant progress made under Tinubu’s leadership.
Lokpobiri asserted that President Tinubu’s legacy is firmly rooted in his tangible contributions to democracy and his unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta. “It is disheartening that on a day set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy, a fellow Niger Deltan chooses to downplay the tireless efforts of a President who has done more for our region in just one year than many did in decades,” Lokpobiri stated.
Highlighting Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Lokpobiri pointed to a series of significant initiatives undertaken in the Niger Delta since the President assumed office. These include the reactivation of Host Community Development Trusts, which empower local communities to participate in and benefit from oil and gas operations; the accelerated cleanup of Ogoni land, a long-awaited environmental remediation project; and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni, aimed at fostering education and innovation in the region.
The minister also cited the ongoing reconstruction of strategic infrastructure, such as the critical East-West Road, which has been plagued by delays and neglect for years. Additionally, he highlighted the appointment of qualified Niger Delta indigenes to key federal positions, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and regional representation.
Lokpobiri further emphasized the intensified efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have long plagued the Niger Delta region and undermined its economic potential. According to him, these measures have resulted in a significant boost in oil production and increased investor confidence in the region, paving the way for further economic development and job creation.
Referencing the recent presidential recognition of the Ogoni Nine, a group of environmental activists who were executed in 1995, Lokpobiri argued that this act demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to justice and reconciliation in the Niger Delta. “It is uncharitable for Senator Dickson to ignore these visible gains and attempt to distract from the President’s developmental agenda. Today, our region is more peaceful, more empowered, and more hopeful,” he stated.
Lokpobiri cautioned against using the political crisis in Rivers State as a tool to undermine the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that “Nigeria is governed by laws, and this administration has consistently upheld constitutional order, favouring dialogue and legality over imposition.”
While affirming Dickson’s right to express his views, Lokpobiri called for unity and collaboration in the Niger Delta, urging regional leaders to “stand by a President who has stood by us.”
As political tensions continue to simmer in Rivers State, Lokpobiri’s remarks appear to be aimed at consolidating regional support for Tinubu, positioning the administration’s efforts in the Niger Delta as a new era of progress and opportunity. By highlighting the tangible benefits of Tinubu’s policies and dismissing criticism as politically motivated, Lokpobiri seeks to reinforce the President’s standing in the region and ensure continued support for his developmental agenda.
