The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday welcomed the nomination of Senator Magnus Abe from Rivers State as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) by President Bola Tinubu.
Wike expressed his appreciation during a “thank you” visit to Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The minister also commended the nomination of another Rivers indigene, Mr Kenneth Kobani, as a non-executive member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Abe, a two-term senator who represented Rivers South-East and a former board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is to serve as Board Chairman of the NUPRC.
Kobani is a former Minister of State for Trade under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and also served as Secretary to the Rivers State Government during Wike’s tenure as governor.
Describing the nominations as a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to Rivers State, Wike said the state had benefited significantly under the current administration.
“Rivers has never had it this good since the creation of the state,” the minister said.
“The number of appointments given to Rivers sons and daughters under President Tinubu’s administration is unprecedented. These latest nominations further demonstrate that Mr President keeps his promises and honours his commitments,” he added.
Wike urged the people of Rivers State to continue supporting Tinubu, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Mr Vincent Nemieoboka, described Wike as a key driver of development in the area.
Nemieoboka thanked the minister for facilitating several appointments for indigenes of the local government at both federal and state levels, assuring him of the community’s continued support in 2027.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, Ambassador Mourine Tamuno, who hails from the area, thanked Wike for creating opportunities for the people of the local government.
She assured that the community, including women and youths, would continue to support the minister.
