Group knocks IYC Exco member over attack on Petroleum Minister

By Timi Black

Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought, urge Comrade Maobuoye Nangi, National Secretary Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), to redirect his steps, caution him against misleading the unsuspecting public.

The Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought has faulted the National Secretary of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Maobuoye Nangi for attacking Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, stating that he should redirect his steps and refrained from misleading the unsuspecting public over the activities and policies of the role Lokpobiri as junior minister.

The group in a statement signed by Comrade Jackson Agbor
Chairman and Moses Omare,
general Secretary said: “We recently read with utter consternation a diatribe, an article credited to some members of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). It is truly disheartening to witness the misguided and ill-informed narratives that have been put forth by these individuals, regarding the role and performance of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. This brazen attack not only lacks merit and substance but also portrays a monumental misconception of the dynamics at play within the nation’s oil sector.

“Strictly speaking, Senator Lokpobiri, as a junior minister, operates within the broader framework set by the President and the federal government. The notion that he alone should bear the blame for the current challenges in the oil industry is both hostile and unfair, to say the least.

“The complexities of the global and domestic oil markets are influenced by a multitude of factors beyond the control of any single individual, much less one in a junior capacity. To suggest otherwise is to indulge in a dangerous form of scapegoating that does nothing to address the real issues at hand.

“The accusations leveled against Lokpobiri by these council members not only undermine the principles of fairness and justice that the IYC is supposed to uphold, but they also ignore the reality that petroleum prices are largely dictated by market forces, not by the whims of any minister. The rhetoric employed in their statement reflects a profound disconnection from the economic realities that govern the oil industry, both locally and globally. This kind of uninformed discourse is not only unhelpful; it is also inimical to the unity and progress of the Ijaw Nation.

“Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that these members have chosen to disregard the core values of the IYC, which include the protection and upliftment of every son and daughter of the Ijaw Nation. By attempting to publicly vilify one of our own, they have done a disservice not only to Senator Lokpobiri but to the entire Ijaw community. Such malicious actions risk sowing discord and resentment within our sphere at a time when unity is more important than ever.

“The claim that Senator Lokpobiri has not produced “tangible results” since his appointment is not only preposterous but also indicative of a lack of understanding of the long-term nature of reforms in the oil sector. The challenges facing the industry are deep-rooted and require sustained efforts and strategic planning to overcome. Hazy and hasty fixes are not the solution, and to demand the same is to engage in wishful and wilful thinking rather than constructive criticisms.

“It is imperative that, we as a community should rise above the petty squabbles and refrain from spurious accusations that pose as a threat to our collective progress and harmonious coexistence. The focus however, should be on constructive engagement and dialogue, rather than dissipating energy to maliciously label and discredit those who are working proficiently in a difficult situation to improve our lots.

“Without being vainglorious, Senator Lokpobiri’s role in surmounting the challenges facing the oil sector is greatly and immensely felt, thus, needs laudation rather than damnation. It is expedient to state categorically, with clinical detachment that the article authored by these members of Council is at best tainted with malice, it is mischievously orchestrated just to score cheap political points.

“In conclusion, We therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians and members of the Ijaw Youth Council to, in its entirety jettison this divisive rhetoric and to instead focus and place premium on the real issues that affect the generality of our people. Let us not be swayed by the antics of those who would rather engage in hopeless claims, false accusations and/or finger-pointing, rather than in the hard work of proffering lasting solutions to challenges. We must stand united in our commitment to the betterment of the Ijaw Nation and to the support of all our people, including those like Senator Lokpobiri, who are working round the clock to serve our interests in trying times, such as this”, the group added.