By Our Political Editor
ABUJA — Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., has condemned recent Democracy Day remarks credited to former Governor of Bayelsa State and serving Senator, Seriake Dickson, describing them as an unfair and regrettable attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dickson had alleged silence and complicity on the part of President Tinubu regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Reacting, Senator Lokpobiri described the claim as an attempt to distract a President whose democratic legacy and commitment to national development—especially in the Niger Delta—remain unparalleled.
“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.
He reminded critics that President Tinubu is not new to the democratic struggle, recalling his defiance during Nigeria’s military era when he endured personal hardship and exile while championing the restoration of civil rule. Lokpobiri emphasized that the sacrifices made by the President form part of the foundation on which Nigeria’s democracy now stands.
According to the minister, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Niger Delta is already witnessing a bold era of transformation. He cited the operationalization of the Host Community Development Trusts, ensuring direct benefits for oil-producing communities; the accelerated Ogoni cleanup, now enjoying renewed political will and funding; and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, as part of President Tinubu’s strategic focus on education and environmental justice.
He also pointed to ongoing federal reconstruction works on the East-West Road, the appointment of competent Niger Deltans into key government positions, the historic presidential pardon granted to the Ogoni 9, and efforts in stabilizing the region through improved security and reduced pipeline vandalism, which have contributed to increased oil production and investor confidence.
Senator Lokpobiri accused Senator Dickson of choosing political grandstanding over honest appraisal, stating that such utterances are not only divisive but ignore the visible gains recorded under the Tinubu-led administration. He stressed that while the political developments in Rivers State are delicate, they should not be manipulated to tarnish the image of a leader who has consistently respected constitutional order and the rule of law.
“Senator Dickson should know, more than most, the state of the Niger Delta before this administration took over. Today, our region is more peaceful, more empowered, and more hopeful,” Lokpobiri added.
He urged all Niger Delta leaders to support the ongoing national renewal efforts and refrain from politicizing progress, emphasizing that history will be kinder to those who build rather than those who pull down.
The statement was issued by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).
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