From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone, Comr. Perekosufa Ineife, has refuted claims by some members of the IYC, that the fuel crisis in Nigeria is solely caused by the incompetence of Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of Petroleum.
Ac statement signed by Comr. Perekosefa Ineife, the Chairman, IYC Central Zone and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State noted that those blaming the Petroleum minister for the fuel crisis in the country should know that, the fuel crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to solve and it is unfair to place the blame solely on the Minister.
Ineife fingered some officials of the IYC who made themselves as willing tools been used by political actors to disemfranchise the Ijaw Nation of the only minister we have.
The Chairman further emphasized that Hon. Lokpobiri is a competent Minister with a strong and intimidating track record of public service, who is working tirelessly to improve the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
He said the Minister has implemented various policies and initiatives to increase local refining capacity, promote investment in the sector, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. These efforts have yielded positive results and will continue to do so in the long .
He however appealed to the IYC President Jonathan Lokpobiri to call for an emergency expanded exco meeting comrpising the Nec, Parliarment principle officers of the 5th Mobile parliarment and the Zonal/ Chapter chairmen that made up the council expanded exco.
The IYC Central Zone leadership strongly condemns the call for the redeployment of Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri and urges the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to support the Minister in his efforts to improve the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
“The fuel crisis is a shared responsibility, and we must all work together to find a lasting solution”, the Chairman added.
