Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has credited FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for playing a key role in his appointment to the federal cabinet.

Speaking on Saturday at an event organised by the Ijaw Peoples Congress (IPC) in Port Harcourt to honour Wike, Lokpobiri highlighted the significance of political alliances in securing important government positions.

"It's important to share with you that my appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was made possible by Nyesom Wike," Lokpobiri said. He added that Wike's involvement in his appointment began at the former Rivers governor's house in Port Harcourt and concluded at Wike's residence in Abuja.

Referring to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Lokpobiri noted that Wike also played a role in the MD's appointment. "My case may have involved an even more direct role," Lokpobiri remarked.

Lokpobiri expressed disappointment that his name was not included in a list of those Wike had helped, as mentioned in the event's welcome address. "I want the Ijaw people to know we have a brother and friend in Wike. A good friend like the FCT Minister is a blessing."

Concluding his remarks, Lokpobiri thanked Wike on behalf of the Ijaw people, saying, "We Ijaw people are grateful for your support, and we will not repay kindness with evil. We look forward to you continuing to support our people."