Reuben Abati, co-host of The Morning Show, a breakfast program on ARISE Television, has tackled the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, over his comments regarding the fuel situation in Nigeria.
Despite widespread concerns about the state of the petroleum industry, Lokpobiri claimed on Tuesday in Abuja that Nigeria is expecting $50 billion in oil sector investments before December. He stated that with the issues raised by both foreign and local investors being addressed and efforts to increase oil production to about 2.7 million barrels per day, Nigeria remains a major player in Africa’s energy sector.
Lokpobiri also attributed the improved attractiveness of the oil sector to the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said had “revolutionised” the industry, attracting significant interest from investors.
Reacting to Lokpobiri’s remarks during a live television broadcast, Abati, a former Presidential spokesman, expressed disbelief and criticized the Minister for making unrealistic claims. Abati advised Lokpobiri to remain silent if he had nothing meaningful to contribute.
“He does not know what he is talking about. He constantly puts his foot in his mouth. Let him just stay loyal to Nyesom Wike where he can speak with more certainty,” Abati said.
He continued, “The other time, he was talking about the refineries producing… but no refinery is producing anything. Now he’s claiming $50 billion worth of investment by December—because Tinubu is a miracle worker. December is just two months away. If the Minister has nothing to say, he should keep quiet.”
Two weeks ago, Lokpobiri publicly acknowledged that his appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was facilitated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Speaking at an event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Port Harcourt, Lokpobiri recounted how Wike played a direct role in his journey to becoming a minister.
He said, “It is important to tell you, my brothers and sisters, that my appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was made possible by Nyesom Wike. You also heard the account of the MD of the NDDC, who said that Wike played a direct role in his appointment.”
Lokpobiri added, “My journey to becoming a minister began in Wike’s house in Port Harcourt and concluded in his house in Abuja. I want you, Ijaw people, to know that we have a brother and a friend in Wike.”