NDNAF denounces attack on Lokpobiri, urges Niger Deltans to support leaders

By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF) has strongly condemned recent media attacks on Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Crude).

The group labelled the criticisms as unfounded and described Senator Lokpobiri as a distinguished son of the Niger Delta who has made significant contributions in various capacities.

Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, the National President of NDNAF and former key figure in the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), rebuked the accusations calling for Lokpobiri’s removal. He dismissed the claims of incompetence and alleged that the attacks were orchestrated by a small group of disgruntled individuals seeking to mislead the public.

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Ikuli further criticized the baseless allegations that Lokpobiri was responsible for the recent fuel scarcity in the country, emphasizing that these accusations were an insult to the intelligence of well-informed Nigerians.

He pointed out that the ongoing challenges in the petroleum sector were inherited from the previous administration and worsened by pre-existing issues such as unbudgeted subsidies and pre-sold crude oil.

The NDNAF leadership urged Niger Deltans and all Nigerians to rally around their elected and appointed leaders, recognizing the efforts of the current administration to address the nation’s challenges.

They emphasized that the criticisms were not only misguided but also a direct insult to the substantive Minister of Petroleum, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to reforming the sector.

In his closing remarks, Ikuli stressed the importance of unity and support for leaders working towards the betterment of the region and the country as a whole, urging the public to dismiss unfounded allegations and focus on constructive engagement.