Tinubu Urged To Call Minister Lokpobiri To Order Over NCDMB Turmoil

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to call Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to account for his meddling at the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB).

The Niger Delta Defenders, a prominent advocacy group, issued a scathing condemnation of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri over the weekend, accusing him of causing chaos and impeding progress in the country’s critical oil and gas sector.

Engr. Emiko Omola, President of the Niger Delta Defenders, issued a press statement requesting the President’s immediate intervention to address Senator Lokpobiri’s alleged disruptive behaviour and power struggles, particularly within NCDMB.

The statement depicts a crippling internal conflicts allegedly fuelled by Senator Lokpobiris over refusal to recognise duly constituted authorities like the Minister of State, Gas as co- chairman of the board and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB Engr Omatshola Ogbe

According to sources cited in the press release, the situation erupted at last week’s General Council meeting, when Senator Lokpobiri allegedly attempted to slap Minister Ekpo during a heated exchange.

“The question that begs an answer is: how long will this last? And who will call Senator Lokpobiri to order?” Engr. Omola demanded, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the Minister’s alleged actions.

The Niger Delta Defenders emphasised the critical importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s economic well-being, stating that it accounts for approximately 65% of revenue and more than 80% of total exports.

They emphasised the Tinubu administration’s focus on transforming the sector to improve efficiencies and increase its contribution to the national economy.

However, the statement claims that Senator Lokpobiri’s actions are actively undermining these efforts. “Rather than working with other ministers to steer the sector towards the administration’s goals, this individual has chosen the opposite path.

“By putting his personal interests and ego ahead of the Administration’s objectives, he is actively sabotaging the government’s plans and undermining national progress,” the statement said.

Beyond the NCDMB, the Niger Delta Defenders accused Senator Lokpobiri of interfering with the operations of key agencies, inciting conflict with ministerial colleagues, and intimidating top civil servants, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

According to the statement, the appointment of a Minister of State for Gas is intended to highlight the growing importance of gas and provide more cohesive leadership within the ministry.

However, Senator Lokpobiri’s alleged refusal to cooperate with Minister Ekpo undermines the anticipated gains.

“Senator Lokpobiri has refused to recognise the Minister of State for Gas as co-chairman of NCDMB, despite a Presidential directive to do so,” the statement claimed.

The Niger Delta Defenders also expressed concerns about Senator Lokpobiri’s ability to effectively manage the newly appointed board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

With President Tinubu recently reorganising the board with prominent industry figures, the group wondered if Senator Lokpobiri’s reported strained relationship with Minister Ekpo would jeopardise the new board’s effectiveness.

“This reported unsavoury relationship between the Minister of State Petroleum and the Minister of State Gas, which has become a public embarrassment to the point of a shouting match, will undoubtedly hamper and impede the government’s efforts to reposition the Oil and Gas industry. “Now is the time for the President to act,” the statement declared.

The Niger Delta Defenders emphasised the oil and gas sector’s critical juncture, citing ongoing efforts to address issues such as fuel pricing, availability, oil theft, and insecurity in the Niger Delta. They claimed that Senator Lokpobiri’s alleged disruptive behaviour is a liability that the country can no longer bear.

“His actions and combative style are in direct conflict with the delicate policy execution and tact required to maintain public confidence in the oil and gas industry and the administration,” the statement concluded, urging President Tinubu to step in and restore stability to the sector.

The Niger Delta Defenders’ accusations are serious, and they call into question the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ leadership and governance.

The allegations of a physical altercation and the undermining of presidential directives necessitate an immediate investigation.

As the debate heats up, calls for accountability and a resolution to the ministry’s escalating tensions become increasingly louder.

The spotlight now shifts to President Tinubu and his administration to address the situation and ensure the smooth operation of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry.