Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s developmental strides in the Niger Delta, dismissing recent criticism from former Bayelsa State governor and serving senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, as politically motivated.

Dickson had questioned President Tinubu’s silence on the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State during his Democracy Day address. However, in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri described Dickson’s remarks as “uncharitable” and “revisionist.”

Lokpobiri argued that President Tinubu’s legacy is firmly rooted in his contributions to democracy, stating, “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.”

Highlighting Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Lokpobiri noted significant initiatives undertaken in the Niger Delta, including the reactivation of Host Community Development Trusts, accelerated cleanup of Ogoni land, and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni.

The minister also cited ongoing reconstruction of strategic infrastructure, such as the East-West Road, the appointment of qualified Niger Delta indigenes to federal positions, and intensified efforts to curb pipeline vandalism. According to him, these measures have boosted oil production and investor confidence in the region.

Lokpobiri referenced the recent presidential recognition of the Ogoni Nine as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to justice and reconciliation. “It is uncharitable for Senator Dickson to ignore these visible gains and attempt to distract from the President’s developmental agenda. Today, our region is more peaceful, more empowered, and more hopeful,” he stated.

He further cautioned against using the Rivers State crisis as a tool to undermine the administration, maintaining, “Nigeria is governed by laws, and this administration has consistently upheld constitutional order, favouring dialogue and legality over imposition.”

While affirming Dickson’s right to express his views, Lokpobiri called for unity and collaboration in the Niger Delta. “We should stand by a President who has stood by us,” he said.

As political tensions continue in Rivers State, Lokpobiri’s remarks appear aimed at consolidating regional support for Tinubu, positioning the administration’s efforts in the Niger Delta as a new era of progress.