Contrary to the story making the rounds on social media that the Minister Of State For Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu has been prevented by a cabal in the presidential villa from discharging his functions, the New Initiative for Credible Leadership [NICreL) has rubbished the report, describing it as untrue and baseless.
NICreL said the story emanated from some jealous individuals in the oil sector, who were hell bent on creating animosity between the minister and his principal .
The group noted that the Minister has been working with the Acting President on their common understanding of issues in the sector in making sure that the oil industry continues to blossom in the absence of President Muhammadu Buahri.
Steven Onwu, the Executive Secretary of the group in a terse statement issued on Thursday, called on the general public to disregard the media hearsay in entirety as it has no iota of truth.
Onwu described the minister as thoroughbred professional in the sector, who remains committed to engineering various reforms that would see to the growth of the industry in line with the administration’s commitment in that key sector of the nation’s economy.
He said, “Stories making the round that Kachikwu is being prevented from discharging his functions by a certain cabal in the presidency is an attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary friction between the Honorable Minister of Petroleum and the rest of the cabinet that have been working very hard in the absence of President Buhari to pilot the affairs of the nation where all concerned parties have been making meaningful impacts to the amazement of all Nigerians.
“The story was the creation of demonic elements within the oil and gas sector, which have access to the media and are out to paint the Honourble Minister black before his principal and members of the public.
“They should desist from creating such unnecessary false and malicious alarm especially at a time that the Minister is busy improving on the level of peace and tranquility in the Niger Delta region which has in turn ushered in considerable improvements in the nation’s revenue and general economic outlook .”
The group added that Kachikwu, since his appointment has remained dedicated to his duties like every hardworking member of the Federal Executive Council and has neither complained to anyone about his designation rather helped to ensure that the administration delivers on all it’s set objectives and promises to the overwhelming majority of Nigerians.
It further called on those who are still pained within the oil industry about the transparent leadership of Kachikwu to seek engagement elsewhere as there will be no room for them to carry out their evil plans.
