By Omoniyi Salaudeen
Ijaw Elders Forum, Lagos, has enjoined the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, to use the opportunity of his new appointment to address some of the environmental challenges facing the oil-producing communities in Bayelsa State.
In its congratulatory message signed by Chief Bukazi Etete and Barrister Efiye Bribena, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the group noted with concern some of the unwholesome practices perpetrated by oil companies in the Niger Delta, which had resulted in the devastation of the environment and stressed the need for affirmative action.
Describing his appointment as well deserved, the forum expressed confidence that the Minister would leverage his experience as a seasoned politician to regulate oil exploration activities in a way that would mitigate the suffering of the people of Ijaw land.
“The Ijaw Elders Forum, Lagos, warmly felicitates with you on your appointment as Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum. It is a well-deserved appointment. We are confident that you will perform creditably well in your new office with the wealth of experience you have gathered in politics over the years. Your experience spans over 24 years as Speaker, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Minister of State for Agriculture, and now Minister of State for Petroleum. Congratulations.
“We pray that you will use your new office to address some of the challenges faced by the Ijaw people in the oil industry and the unwholesome practices perpetrated by most oil companies in the Niger Delta that have resulted in the despoliation of our environment,” it stated.