The ljaw Elders Forum (IEF) has commended the appointment of Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Petroleum by President Bola Tinubu.

The group urged Lokpobiri to bring his wide-ranging experience in public service to bear in the new office and address the challenges posed by the oil industry on people of the Niger Delta Region.

IEF made the commendation, Tuesday, in a congratulatory message signed by its Chairman, Chief Bukazi Etete and Secretary Mr Efiye Bribena.

“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 perpetuated by most oil companies in the Niger Delta that have resulted in the despoliation of our environment.

“Kindly use your good office to ensure that the suffering of our people as a result of oil exploitation is mitigated, and some benefits truly get to the communities and people of ijaw land,” IEF stated.

The group expressed confidence that Lokpobiri will perform creditably well in the new office with the wealth of experience in politics over the years.

“Your experience spans over 24 years as Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Minister of State for Agriculture and now Minister of State for Petroleum. Congratulations.
The Lord has been kind to you as an ijaw may to hold these high political offices over the years,” the Ijaw group stated.