Leadnaija
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has criticized Senator Seriake Dickson over his Democracy Day remarks, where Dickson accused President Bola Tinubu of complicity in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement released on Friday by his media aide, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri described Dickson’s comment as “an unfair attack on a leader whose commitment to democracy and regional development is evident in both history and action.”
He said it was disappointing that a fellow Niger Deltan chose to downplay Tinubu’s developmental impact on the region, noting: “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 listed several initiatives undertaken by the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope agenda, including the activation of Host Community Development Trusts, accelerated Ogoni cleanup, establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni, and reconstruction of parts of the East-West Road.
He further stressed that the political situation in Rivers should not be used to “cast aspersions on the President’s integrity,” adding that the administration has always respected constitutional order.
Calling for unity, Lokpobiri urged Dickson to adopt a more statesmanlike tone and support the administration’s efforts, stating: “The Niger Delta needs unity and collaboration, not political grandstanding. We should stand by a President who has stood by us.”
