A group which goes by the name “Niger Delta Non-Violence Youth Leaders Assembly”, NDNVYLA, endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Ibe Kachikwu, as the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The group’s President Kennedy Tonjo-West, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Yenagoa, said the confidence reposed on Kachikwu was an indication that Buhari values competence and performance as the Minister had restored sanity and orderliness to the oil industry within a short time in office.

Tonjo-West noted that Kachikwu having served as the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has ensured that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly referred to as petrol, has remained stable and the product has remained available across the country.

“Having worked directly under Mr. President for nearly two years now, Kachikwu has proven his mettle, tested and trusted enough to be confirmed to carry the vision of Mr. President in the petroleum industry” he stated.

The group also pointed out that Kachikwu has also brought lots of reforms to the NNPC as well as played a lead role in bringing leaders, elders and stakeholders together to resolve the problem of militancy in the Niger Delta.

Tonjo-West urged all stakeholders in the Nigerian oil sector to support the Minister in his efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.

“We appeal to any interest group that intends to frustrate the endorsement of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources by President Buhari to have a rethink,” he said.

“These interest groups murmured when the President in his wisdom permitted Dr. Kachikwu to act as the substantive Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) because the post is for a substantive minister.

“Kachikwu came into the political scene by President Buhari, as a GMD NNPC, he has worked so hard to earn the respect and confidence of Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta Region.

“His endorsement by Buhari is divine, premised on hard work, performance and can also be counted as one of the palliatives to pacify the people of the region.

“Kachikwu traversed the creeks of Niger Delta to make peace, he paid a huge sacrifice, united the people at the communities and align their perspectives to the vision of the government at the center,” the group stated.