IYC Calls for Lokpobiri’s Redeployment to Rescue Petroleum Industry
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has clarified that its call for the redeployment of Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), is driven by a genuine concern for the issues affecting the petroleum sector, rather than parochial interests. The apex Ijaw Youth body emphasized that Lokpobiri’s continued tenure in office, despite his lack of expertise, is exacerbating challenges for both the Niger Delta region and the nation as a whole.
In a statement signed by key IYC officials—Secretary-General Maobuye Nangi Obu, National Women Leader Comrade Miracle Iyaye, National Legal Adviser Tamunotonye David Altraide, and National Deputy Director of Mobilization Comrade Abiye Bob-Manuel—the Council made it clear that they are not calling for Lokpobiri’s removal from the cabinet. Instead, they are urging his redeployment to a ministry where his skills and experience could be better utilized.
The IYC argued that Lokpobiri’s lack of capacity and technical know-how is undermining the progress of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They urged the minister to address the ongoing crises in the petroleum sector, including issues surrounding the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, which are contributing to the hardships faced by Nigerians.
“We are not attacking the minister’s character, nor are we denying his status as an esteemed son of the Ijaw nation,” the statement read. “However, the minister is occupying a role for which he lacks the necessary knowledge and expertise to tackle the critical issues plaguing the oil subsector. This deficiency is eroding the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The IYC’s concerns were echoed by the President of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), High Chief Benjamin Tamaranebi, during a recent visit to the Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark.
The Council also emphasized that in more developed nations, ministers who find themselves unable to perform due to external pressures either seek redeployment or resign. They noted that continuing to serve as Minister of State for Petroleum without the requisite authority would only tarnish Lokpobiri’s reputation.
“We have the utmost respect for the minister, given his previous service in various capacities. However, his continued stay in this ministry is making life more difficult for the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians as a whole,” the statement continued. “Our intention is not to call for his removal but to suggest his redeployment to a ministry where he can perform more effectively, as he did during his tenure as Minister of State for Agriculture.”
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The IYC reiterated its stance that if Lokpobiri is redeployed, his replacement should come from the Ijaw ethnic nationality. They dismissed claims that their position signifies a conflict between the Eastern and Central zones, stressing that their focus remains on addressing the critical issues facing the region.
“We urge the Honorable Minister to clarify the situation with the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries and caution those around him against worsening the situation,” the statement concluded
