Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Senator Magnus Abe and Mr. Kenneth Kobani into strategic positions in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory agencies, describing the move as a clear testament to the President’s goodwill and affection for the people of Rivers State.
Wike spoke during his thank-you visit to Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he celebrated the nomination of Abe as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Kobani as a non-executive member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to the FCT minister, the appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and equity, noting that Rivers State had never enjoyed such extensive federal recognition since its creation.
“Just as we are coming, we have two nominations for appointment by Mr. President—Magnus Abe and Kenneth Kobani,” Wike said. “This shows that President Tinubu keeps his promises and honours his agreements. We are standing by the truth, and the truth will always set us free.”
He added that the Tinubu administration has given Rivers State an unprecedented number of federal appointments, urging the people to continue to support the President, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Wike described the latest nominations as proof of Tinubu’s “genuine love” for Rivers people, stressing that such gestures would deepen the state’s confidence in the current administration.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abe, a two-term senator who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, previously served as a board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and currently chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.
Kobani, also an indigene of Rivers State, is a former Minister of State for Trade under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and served as Secretary to the Rivers State Government during Wike’s tenure as governor.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mr. Vincent Nemieoboka, described Wike as a key driver of development in the area, commending him for facilitating numerous federal and state appointments for indigenes of the council.
Nemieoboka assured the minister of the continued loyalty and support of the people, pledging that Ogu/Bolo would stand firmly with him in 2027.
Similarly, Ambassador Mourine Tamuno, Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited and an indigene of the area, thanked Wike for creating opportunities for sons and daughters of Ogu/Bolo, assuring him of the unwavering support of women and youths in the local government area.
