Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has blasted Senator Seriake Dickson for attacking President Tinubu on Democracy Day. He recently revealed that Dickson’s criticism was not only regrettable, but it was very unfair as well.
Speaking via a press statement, Lokpobiri shared that it was not fair for Seriake to attack a leader whose commitment to democracy and regional development is obvious in both history and action.
According to him, it was very sad to see a fellow Niger Deltan decide to downplay the relentless efforts of a President who has done more for our region in just one year than many did in decades.
Lokpobiri stated that Seriake chose to mischaracterize Tinubu’s actions instead of appreciating him for the ongoing democratic and developmental gains under his reign.
“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.
Rather than offering constructive support for the ongoing democratic and developmental gains under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Dickson has chosen to mischaracterize the actions of a leader whose commitment to constitutional order, democratic ideals, and the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria is beyond question.
President Tinubu is not a stranger to the democratic struggle. In 1992, at a time when silence could have bought comfort, he chose resistance. He fought for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy, sacrificing personal freedom, enduring exile, and standing firm against tyranny. His sacrifices form part of the foundation upon which today’s democratic institutions rest. Questioning his democratic credentials, therefore, is both revisionist and unbecoming of any serious statesman.
Under the #RenewedHope agenda, the Niger Delta is already witnessing a bold era of transformation. President Tinubu has matched words with action in delivering long-overdue progress to the region,” he said.
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He further noted that while Seriake has every right to share his opinion, completely ignoring the visible gains that have come with BAT’s leadership is wrong.
He concluded by saying that history will always favour those who build, not those who tear down.
“It is uncharitable for Senator Dickson to ignore these visible gains and attempt to distract from the President’s developmental agenda. He should know, more than most, the state of the Niger Delta before this administration took over. Today, our region is more peaceful, more empowered, and more hopeful.
Indeed, the political issues in Rivers State, though sensitive, should not be weaponized to cast aspersions on the President’s integrity. Nigeria is governed by laws, and the Tinubu administration has consistently respected constitutional order, choosing dialogue and legality over imposition.
While Senator Dickson has every right to express his opinion, it is imperative he does so with statesmanship and context. The Niger Delta needs unity and collaboration, not political grandstanding. We should stand by a President who has stood by us.
Rather than politicizing progress, Senator Dickson should lend his experience and influence to support the national renewal project led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
History will favour those who build, not those who tear down,” he added.
