Ike Amos
14 August 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, Monday, said he has not indicated interest in running for political office in Delta State, declaring that his immediate priority is to focus on progress recorded in the oil and gas sector over the last couple of months.
According to a statement by Director of Press, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Idang Alibi, fake campaign posters of Kachikwu for the 2019 governorship elections in Delta State were posted by unknown persons across the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the office of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources had dissociated itself from the campaign posters which it had absolutely no knowledge of.
He said Kachikwu had not indicated any interest in running for any elective political office in Delta State.
He said Kachikwu is focused on delivering on the reforms currently being implemented in the petroleum sector under the leadership of President Buhari and Acting President Osinbajo in line with his duties as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Chair of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Alibi said the Minister remained committed to effectively representing his state of origin, Delta State in the federal cabinet to institutionalise transparency, accountability and productivity in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
He said, “It is gratifying that, despite challenges, measurable progress has been made in achieving important milestones under Kachikwu‘s watch and today, the petroleum sector is more transparent and contributes more to the national coffers.
Consolidating on this progress remains the priority of Kachikwu and he refuses to be distracted from this focus.
“Kachikwu would like to urge stakeholders in both the Oil and Gas sector and indeed the general public to discountenance these unfounded speculations.
“The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources assures all Nigerians of his and Government’s continued commitment to the welfare and well-being of the citizenry while thanking them for usual cooperation and collaboration towards achieving the lofty dreams of a thriving Oil and Gas sector for Nigeria.”